By Edwin Rollon
The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) is brimming with confidence as it sends a youthful but immensely talented national aquatics team to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games from December 9 to 22 in Bangkok, Thailand.
PAI Secretary General and swimming legend Eric Buhain said the delegation—composed of swimmers, divers, open water and men’s and women’s water polo teams—represents the strongest crop of athletes the country has assembled in recent years.
“No doubt, this team is the best of the best,” said the swimming legend and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer. “They all cut through tough national tryouts, with our swimmers surpassing the bronze-medal times from the previous SEA Games as our qualifying standard.”
With sustained support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the MVP Sports Foundation, foreign-based team members continued training with top programs in the United States and Canada. Local swimmers, meanwhile, sharpened their form under national coaches led by Ramil Ilustre.
“Hindi kami lumalaban nang bara-bara,” Buhain said. “Our athletes trained in the best environment possible. Yung nasa abroad kept their elite programs. Yung nasa Pilipinas, we made sure they had the same intensity, the same discipline, the same world-class preparation.”
The country’s divers also underwent training and competition stints in China, while the women’s water polo team is currently in Chengdu. The men’s squad just returned from a rigorous camp in Becej, Serbia, where they played exhibition matches against some of the country’s top club teams—thanks to a partnership initiated by Serbian coach Filip Stojanovic.
“This is a young team, but they’re fearless,” said Stojanovic. “I can’t guarantee a gold medal, but they have the heart to surprise anyone. Whatever medal they bring home, I am proud of them.”
Buhain personally met the athletes shortly after their return from Serbia to assess their progress and boost their morale.
“I always tell them: no pressure, but we fight for gold,” he said. “Dapat lagi tayong may winning mindset. Tapos na yung panahon na masaya na tayo sa experience lang. Nandyan ang pinakamalalakas sa Southeast Asia—if we win here, malaki ang tsansa natin sa Asian Games at pati sa Olympics.”
Beyond the SEA Games, PAI is doubling down on grassroots development and strengthening its coaching programs nationwide.
More than 100 coaches from clubs, schools, and various institutions recently attended the National Coaches Seminar led by Canadian mentor Michal Skrodzki, lead national and open squad coach of the Nunawading Swimming Club.
“Kailangan matibay ang pundasyon,” Buhain stressed. “If our coaches are strong, knowledgeable, and updated, mas maganda ang magiging future ng ating young swimmers. Dito talaga nagsisimula ang long-term success.”
With a rejuvenated system, a deeper talent pool, and a bold mindset, Buhain believes the Philippines is poised for a breakthrough performance in Bangkok.
