NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — The Philippines posted its best medal haul in the 13th ASEAN Para Games, winning 45 golds, 37 silvers and 52 bronze medals.

The Filipino delegates easily surpassed their previous gold-silver-bronze haul of 34-33-50 in the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in 2023, making it the country’s best medal haul since the tournament’s inception in 2001 in Malaysia.

Chief of mission Goody Custodio credited the athletes’ synergy in their respective fields.

Athletics was the biggest contributor in the country’s gold rush with 16 gold medals

Meanwhile, swimming won 13 while chess snatched 12 in this prestigious tournament for differently abled athletes.

“I think the key was that both our athletes and coaches were able to really focus. At the same time, we were able to integrate young para-athletes into the team,” Custodio said.

“Most of our medalists are actually young talents. Of course, our veterans are still there and they continue to deliver, but a big portion of our success came from new talents coming from different classes, especially among visually impaired athletes. That’s where many of our medalists came from.”

FIDE Master-elect Darry Bernardo emerged as the Philippines’ most bemedalled athlete with six gold medals while Paralympic swimmer Angel Otom took home five and added one silver to her name.

Hosts Thailand reclaimed the overall crown after 11 years with 135 golds, 144 silvers and 114 bronze medals while Indonesia settled for second place with a 135-143-114 haul.

Malaysia took third place with 64 golds, 64 silvers and 73 bronze medals as it prepared to host next year’s Para Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission lauded the para athletes’ solid showing.