The municipality of Botolan honored its homegrown athlete Mariel Abuan for winning the silver medal in the women’s high jump event at the Southeast Asian Games 2025 held in Thailand.

Abuan paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Jun Ebdane at the Botolan municipal hall, where she was warmly welcomed alongside her coach, Donald Ermita. Local officials praised her achievement for helping elevate the town’s profile in Zambales.

In a social media post on 13 January 2026, Ebdane said it was a privilege to receive the SEA Games silver medalist at his office, noting that Abuan’s success reflects the collective pride of Botolan, particularly her home barangay of Danacbunga.

“Ang kanyang tagumpay ay sumasalamin sa tagumpay ng buong bayan ng Botolan. Bilang pagkilala sa kanyang walang kapantay na sipag, dedikasyon at husay, nagkaloob tayo mula sa Pamahalaang Bayan ng cash incentive bilang munting gantimpala at suporta sa kanyang patuloy na pangarap,” Ebdane said.

Abuan cleared a personal best of 1.80 meters during the SEA Games final on December 16, 2025, a significant improvement from her previous personal record of 1.72 meters set in 2024.

Earlier in August 2025, she also captured a bronze medal at the Malaysia Open Athletics Championships after clearing 1.60 meters, marking a steady rise in her international athletics career.

Local officials said Abuan’s achievements serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Botolan and the rest of Zambales, highlighting the potential of homegrown talent to excel on the regional stage.