Senator Bam Aquino has lauded the country’s young karate athletes for their impressive performance at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship and Training Camp held in Hangzhou, China, from July 22 to 26, 2026.

Through Senate Resolution No. 580, Aquino recognized the achievements of the Philippine delegation from the Fight Alliance Sports Team–International Shotokan Karate Federation (FAST-ISKF) and Alfonso Karatedo Kobudo Renmei (AAKR), who brought pride to the country in the continental competition.

Leading the honorees was 9-year-old Romeo Viktor Enriquez, who captured the gold medal in the Under-10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) division and finished among the Top 5 in the Under-10 Male Kata in his first international tournament.

Also recognized were FAST-ISKF athletes Raphael Mariano Herrera, who secured his second consecutive bronze medal in the Under-14 Male Kata, and Ripley Tate Borromeo, who placed among the Top 5 in the Under-12 Female Kata and Top 7 in the Under-12 Female Kumite.

Aquino likewise honored teammates Ellis Sebastian Canoza and Colin Isaiah Paolo, who competed under the guidance of national coach and former Karate Pilipinas captain Engene Stoner Dagohoy.

From AAKR, Wifredo Apellido successfully defended his title by winning back-to-back gold medals in the Under-12 Male Kata and adding a silver medal in the Under-12 Male Kumite (-45 kg). The delegation also included Ysabella Arwen Varias.

Aquino said the athletes’ accomplishments reflect the dedication of the young competitors, their coaches, parents, and sports organizations in nurturing Filipino talent.

He added that karate instills discipline, perseverance, humility, resilience, and self-confidence while inspiring more Filipino youth to pursue excellence through sports.