By JM Samidan -Baguio PIO

 

Baguio City para-athletes placed fifth out of 63 participating local government units and organizations joining the 8th staging of the Philippine National Para Games (PNPG) from November 10 to 14, 2024 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

In the unofficial overall Medal Tally released by the Philippine Sports Commission as of 7PM, Nov. 14, Baguio City ranks fifth place with 17 gold medals, 12 silver and 10 bronze.

Pasig City ranks first place followed by PNSB Pasay, Iloilo in third place and NTP Philspada in fourth place.

Baguio City Person with Disability Affairs Officer Samuel Aquino said medal counts were from athletics, archery, powerlifting and table tennis. There was no medal for chess and badminton events.

 

A total of 44 para-athletes from Baguio City joined over 800 contingents showcasing their skills and determination during the 2024 PNPG.
“Baguio City was on the third place in the 2019 PNPG but there were lesser participating LGUs then. Now it was mostly a home court advantage for Pasig, Pasay and the National Philippine Team or NPT,” Aquino explained.

Pasig City for one fielded 125 para-athletes compared to Baguio with only 44 contingents, Aquino furthered.

PDAO Baguio started conducting local sports tournaments to scout more para-athletes and hone their skills in preparation for the PNPG.

This resulted in more qualified participants and more opportunities to win medals, Aquino said.

He hopes that medal standing will inch higher once the official and final tally is released by the Philippine Sports Commission.