President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. lauded the Filipino para-athletes who brought home 34 gold medals at the recently concluded 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games in Cambodia.

Philippine Para Athletes (Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook)

Marcos said this after the triumphant Philippine Para Athletics team was warmly welcomed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials in a gathering at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on June 11, after their fifth-place finish in the biennial multi-sport event.

In a tweet, the President extended his well-wishes to the athletes, saying they proved that their disabilities do not hinder achieving their goals.

"Pinakita ninyo ang galing at husay ng mga para-athletes sa bansa at pinatunayang hindi hadlang ang kapansanan sa pag-abot ng mga pangarap (You showed us the ability and skills of para-athletes in the country and proved that disabilities are not an obstacle in reaching your dreams)," he said.

"Dala ninyo ay hindi lamang karangalan para sa Pilipinas kundi mas malalim na pagkakaisa sa pagitan ng mga bansa sa rehiyon (You bring not only pride for the Philippines but a deeper sense of unity among the countries in the region)," he added.

Binabati natin ang ating mga para athletes na nakilahok sa 2023 ASEAN Para Games sa Cambodia!

Sa 34 na gold, 33 na silver, at 50 bronze medals na inyong pinanalo, pinakita ninyo ang galing at husay ng mga para athletes sa bansa at pinatunayang hindi hadlang ang kapansanan sa… pic.twitter.com/8EDEVG7AFM

— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) June 14, 2023

Team Philippines bagged 34 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals in the said sporting event for athletes with physical disabilities in Southeast Asia.

In a statement, PSC commissioner and Team Philippines chef-de-mission Walter Francis Torres said he was honored and overjoyed by the athletes' remarkable performances and astounding achievements in the 12th ASEAN Para Games.

"These achievements have not only brought glory once again to the Philippines but also serve as inspirations and motivations to future generations of para-athletes," he said.

Torres likewise praised the athletes' spirit and attitude amid challenges in their journey as para-athletes.

"Beyond the medals, it is your wholehearted dedication and resilience that makes you true champions," he said.

"You continuously prove that anything is possible with passion, hard work, and a firm belief in yourselves," he added.