iKalinga Paralympian Mangliwan recognized in President Marcos’ 4th SONA

Tabuk City, Kalinga – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Included in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) the recognition of national athletes who represented our country in international competitions, saying they are role models of the youth – one of those mentioned is iKalinga Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan.

Marcos took the podium at the Batasang Pambansa Complex on Monday afternoon, July 28, to deliver his fourth SONA.

In his over an hour address, he included his full commitment to support aspiring athletes who hope to follow in the footsteps of world-class Filipino champions. The President also bared plans for the creation of a new nationwide program for sports development.

Marcos also took the chance to name a number of Filipino world-class athletes who are paving the way for more Filipino champions.

"Dahil sa mga ito, ang ating kabataan ay maagang namumulat sa isports, humuhusay, at tumataas ang kumpiyansa. Sumusunod sila sa yapak ng ating mga kampeon at world-class na athlete: tulad ni Senator Manny Pacquiao, ni Hidilyn Diaz, ni Caloy Yulo, Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala; ang paralympians natin na sina Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, at Ernie Gawilan," Marcos said.

The mention of his name was more than a recognition of bemedalled wheelchair racer Mangliwan, who hails from Tabuk City, Kalinga. This was also the first time para athletes were acknowledged in a SONA of the President.

“Special mentioned!!! Thank you very much President Ferdinanand "Bong Bong" Marcos tunay na inclusive ang iyong mga programa para sa mga mamayang pilipino first time po na marecognize ang mga Para Athlete sa state of the nation address (SONA). Salamat at Mabuhay po kayo at mabuhay ang mga manlalarong pilipino!!!” Mangliwan wrote in a Facebook post.