Palace hails Padios for winning PH’s 1st gold in Vietnam SEAG

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday congratulated pencak silat athlete Francine Padios for delivering the Philippines’ first gold medal in the ongoing 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“The Palace congratulates Mary Francine Padios for bringing pride and glory to the country by winning the first gold medal for the Philippines in Pencak Silat Women’s Seni (Artistic) Tunggal single event in Vietnam,” acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement.

Padios ruled the Pencak Silat Women’s seni (artistic) tunggal single final at the Bac Tu Liem Gymnasium in Vietnam after edging Indonesia’s Puspa Arum Sari.

Padio scored 9.960 against Arum’s 9.945.

“Congratulations. We are proud of you,” Andanar told Padio.

As of press time, the Philippines’ Kurash team also delivered one silver from Helen Aclopen and two bronze medals from Charlie Quelino and George Baclagan.

Andanar wished the Filipino athletes good luck as they participate in the 31st SEA Games.

“Good luck to the rest of our athletes in Team Philippines. Mabuhay ang atletang Pinoy sa Hanoi (Long live, Filipino athletes in Hanoi),” he said.

The Philippines’ kickboxing team also secured eight medals in the SEA Games, with Renalyn Dacquel assuring herself of at least a silver medal after pulling off a 3-0 victory over Thailand’s Konwara Boonpeng in their women’s full contact -48 kg class semifinal on Tuesday night.

The Philippines is eyeing to defend its overall title after ruling the 2019 edition with 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze medals.

The Philippine Sports Commission shelled out PHP232 million to finance the entire participation of the 908-strong Philippine delegation, including 641 athletes gearing up to win gold medals at stake in 38 of the 40 sports in the SEA Games.