For coming up with a hefty 10-10-11 (gold-silver-bronze) collection from the ASEAN Para Games, the athletics team found itself on a pedestal during yesterday's victory party at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled secretary general Goody Custodio took center stage by lauding the team for its solid showing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Last time in Indonesia, the Philippines went home with a 6-4-14 tally.

"I'm not only proud but very inspired. Compared to the abled-bodied, their improvement was huge. It's very inspiring," Custodio told Daily Tribune.

"Nobody gave up even if we only had less than a year to prepare. Compared to other countries, they have been sending three athletes per event compared to us who only has one representative per category," she said.

Custodio hopes to get more international exposure for the para-athletes for the 2025 edition of the Para Games in Thailand.

"That's what we need to augment because we are lacking in international competitions. We are (also) undermanned in these tournaments," she added.