EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara hailed the Philippine Team for placing fourth overall in the ASEAN School Games.

“Mission accomplished kayo! Beyond the medals, your grit and discipline reminded us why we must keep strengthening school sports and supporting every young Filipino athlete. Maraming salamat sa tapang, husay, at dangal na inalay ninyo para sa Pilipinas,” Angara said.

With 43 total medals — 11 gold, 10 silver, and 22 bronze — Team Philippines secured its position among the region’s top-performing delegations, improving from last year’s sixth-place finish.

The participants received a heroes’ welcome at the airport on Friday night, greeted by families, officials, and supporters who celebrated the country’s milestone performance.

Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the delegation was led by Chef de Mission Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Director IV of the DepEd–Bureau of Learner Support Services, with Deputy Chef de Mission Cesar Abalon, Chief of the BLSS–School Sports Division.

The Philippine delegates competed alongside nine ASEAN nations across eight sports: athletics, badminton, basketball, swimming, netball, pencak silat, sepak takraw, and wushu.