Pride of Kalinga: Mangliwan to carry Philippine’s Flag at 2026 ASEAN Paralympic Games

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Proud son of Kalinga, Jerrold Pete Mangliwan, a three-time Paralympian and one of the Philippines’ most celebrated para-athletes, has been named flag bearer of Team Philippines for the upcoming 2026 ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

The ASEAN Para Games is a biennial regional multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Timor-Leste.

The 13th edition, running from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, will feature 19 para-sports — including para athletics, para swimming, para badminton, wheelchair basketball, and more — making it one of the largest editions in the Games’ history and a key competition on the para-sports calendar in Southeast Asia.

In an interview with national media, Mangliwan expressed surprise and pride at being chosen as flag bearer, emphasizing that he will carry the flag with honor.

“Yes po, actually nagulat po ako nung napili ako, di ko in-expect. Napakasaya, and I’m very proud na napili tayo na flag bearer. Tuwang-tuwa po ako and honored, despite yung haba ng tinakbo ng karera ko, ito napili pa rin po na maging flag bearer,” said Mangliwan.

It can be recalled that Mangliwan represented the country in three Paralympic Games: Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Tokyo in 2020, and Paris in 2024. He has been a consistent performer in these Games, earning podium finishes and establishing himself as a mainstay of Philippine para-athletics.

The veteran Paralympian has also dominated in regional competitions, winning multiple gold medals in the ASEAN Para Games — particularly in the T52 200-meter and 400-meter events — and delivering medal-winning performances in the Asian Para Games, cementing his status as one of the country’s most successful para-athletes.

Being named flag bearer marks a milestone in Mangliwan’s long international career, as this is the first time he has been given the honor of leading the Philippine delegation in a major multi-sport event.