Filipinos capture 3 golds in Asean Schools Games

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines bagged 17 medals, including three golds, in the seventh Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games in Brunei recently, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported yesterday.

Jose Jerry Belibestre Jr. and Bryan Pacheco dominated the long jump and javelin throw events, respectively, while Yuka Saso captured the top individual honor in golf competition.

The Filipinos also came away with four silvers, courtesy of Martin James Esteban in triple jump and tanker Arian Neil Puyo in the 100m back and 100m breaststroke and Maurice Sacho Ilustre in 100M free.

Pacheco also copped a bronze in shot put while Puyo also finished third in 200m back.

The other bronze medalists were Gilbert Rutaquio (2000m steeplechase) and Angel Cariño (long and triple jump), Harmie Nicole Constantino (golf) and Samantha Marie Bruce, Ashia Marie Nocum, Yuka Saso and Harmie Nicole Constantino (golf team event), Ilustre (200m free and 200m fly) and Nicole Meah Pamintuan (200m back).

 In badminton, national champion Mark Shelly Alcala settled for the boys’ singles bronze.

The ASG, which features the Philippines, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam, is an annual sporting event which aims to promote the spirit of partnership and equality in the region through sports and cultural exchange.

 It also aims to make sports a contributor to regional peace and stability, acts as a base to produce world-class athletes even as it encourages healthy lifestyle through sports, the DepEd said.