PH finishes 4th in 2025 ASEAN School Games

The Philippines finished fourth in the 2025 ASEAN School Games, securing 11 gold, 10 silver, and 22 bronze medals, in the multi-sport event held in Brunei.

Among the gold medalists were athletics standouts Jhul Ian Cañalita, who broke the 3000-meter record with a time of 8:47.52; Ma. Lhynette Libranda of NCR, who shattered the 100-meter hurdles record with a 14.20-second run in the semifinals and 13.82 in the finals; and Anthony Cariaso, who ruled both the boys’ 800-meter and 1500-meter events.

The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams also went undefeated to claim the championship.

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the fourth-place finish proves that sports programs in schools must be strengthened.

“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 in a statement.

Aside from athletics and basketball, the Philippines also competed in badminton, swimming, netball, pencak silat, sepak takraw, and wushu.

Indonesia finished first with 42 gold, 30 silver, and 21 bronze medals, while Thailand (20 gold, 24 silver, and 26 bronze) and Malaysia (14 gold, 16 silver, 27 bronze) completed the podium.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News