The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) held its first anti-doping education session for the year on January 13, 2026 for the Philippine delegation in the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Korat, Thailand, at the Diamond Ballroom, Diamond Hotel, Manila.

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With the theme, “Play Clean, Win Proud: Filipino Para Athletes Rising Together,” the participants were welcomed by PHI-NADO Head, Dr. Alejandro V. Pineda, Jr. and was followed by a pre-departure briefing of Mr. Kiko Diaz, the Deputy Chef de Mission for the 13th ASEAN Para Games, wherein he highlighted the importance of giving one’s best effort in such competitions and that losses are always learning opportunities to be better athletes. The value of respect was likewise emphasized as they are “not mere participants in the ASEAN Para Games as athletes, coaches, and/or officials, but also as ambassadors of our country.”

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An estimated total number of 300 attendees, including 263 para-athletes, coaches, support personnel, and team officials attended the session onsite at the Diamond Hotel. Team Philippines was later joined in by PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, PSC Commissioners Comm. Matthew P. Gaston and Comm. Walter Francis K. Torres, as well as PSC Chief of Staff Prof. Louise Jashil R. Sonido, as a send-off ceremony was prepared for the delegation immediately after the anti-doping education session.

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The whole day program featured discussions by Dr. Pineda on PHI-NADO’s present landscape and future directions of anti-doping initiatives, underscoring the importance of innovation, compliance readiness, and shared accountability across the sporting community. Still in the morning session, Dr. Albert Jerome C. Quintos, Head Team Physician to the Games, presented Sports Medicine Care for para-athletes and coaches, while Dr. Karen Trinidad, PSC MSAS Sports Psychology Unit Head, Dr. Karen Leslie Pineda, PSC MSAS Sports Nutrition Unit Head, and Ms. Ivana Paulina Pastrano, PSC MSAS Strength and Conditioning Coach, provided guidance on Mental Resilience, Nutrition, and Conditioning for para-athletes, coaches, and support personnel. On the other hand, the afternoon session focused on Sports Values, Anti-Doping Education and Learning (ADEL), The Prohibited List, Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), Doping Control Procedures, as well as Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities, which were presented by PHI-NADO personnel, Ms. Marian Josephine De Castro, International Relations Officer, Mr. Aimeil Jashpher Pili, Anti-Doping Education Officer, Dr. Anna Lea Enriquez, TUE Committee Member, Dr. Marion Rivera, TUE Committee Head, Mr. Juan Paolo Pilares, Doping Control Officer, and Ms. Hannah Mehyle Roque, Blood Collection Officer.

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Through interactive exchanges and open forums, athletes, coaches, personnel support, and team officials were able to clarify concerns and deepen their understanding of anti-doping rules and regulations, demonstrating a unified stand against doping and a shared responsibility to protect the integrity of sport. This initiative underscored the importance of education in empowering athletes to make informed decisions and safeguard their health and careers.

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PHI-NADO continues to strengthen its efforts in promoting clean sport, protecting athletes, and upholding international anti-doping standards.

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God bless, Team Philippines! This serves as a reminder that true victory is achieved not only through performance, but through integrity, discipline, and respect for the spirit of sport.

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Play True. Play Clean. Play Fair!

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Click here for more photos of the event.