Gawilan, Bantiloc named PH flag-bearers in Paralympics opening rites

MANILA: Swimmer Ernie Gawilan and archer Agustina Bantiloc will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Paris, France on Wednesday. They will be joined by track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, swimmer Angel Mae Otom, and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin. 'We had several discussions about who will be the standard-bearers at the opening ceremony with the coaches and it was decided among us that Ernie and Tina (Bantiloc's nickname) were the athletes to do it,' PH team chef de mission Rosario said in an interview on Sunday. 'Gawilan has been a bemedalled national para swimmer and role model for our para athletes over the years while Bantiloc is the country's first para archer to qualify and represent the country at the Paralympic Games. The priority, of course, for the parade are our athletes, so they can experience this memorable moment in their lives,' explained Rosario, a two-time Olympian and national swimming standout. Bantiloc is honored to jo in Gawilan, a gold medalist in last year's Hangzhou Asian Para Games. 'Of course, I'm proud and happy. It will help me a lot,' said the 56-year-old Bantiloc, who will see action in the women's individual compound event at the Esplanade des Invalides archery range on Thursday. Rosario said the Philippines was originally given 15 to 16 slots, 'but we received a message last Friday that our allotment was down to 10.' Rosario, and coaches Joel Deriada (athletics) and Tony Ong (swimming) gave their slots in the opening ceremony parade to the other members of the delegation. 'Coach Tony and I gave way for the others because we have already participated in the Paralympic Games parade,' said Deriada. Source: Philippines News Agency