The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) holds an Anti-Doping Education Session at the Solaire Resort Grand Ballroom and Foyer on November 25th for the national teams competing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand on December 9th to 20th, and 13th Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai on December 7th to 14th.

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The program was opened by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, with a powerful message that highlighted the importance of Anti-Doping Education Session for the country. As he said, “Today’s session is more than just a requirement. It is part of our commitment to fair play, integrity, and excellence — values that the Philippine Sports Commission proudly upholds. As you all prepare to represent the Philippines on the regional and international stage, it is crucial that we reaffirm our dedication to clean sport—not only to protect your careers, but also to preserve the honor of our country. Remember, this is not just about you…it is about our nation’s integrity and our success.” He reiterated that regardless of the athletes’ victory, if they do not comply with the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and PHI-NADO, then their victory is invalid. “Dapat ang panalo ay malinis, mahusay, at galing sa puso ng bawat atletang Pilipino,” he added.

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Notable guests included Mr. Michael Barredo, President of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), Elite Link Senior Advisor and former Olympian, Ms. Gillian Akiko Thomson-Guevarra, and PSC Officers namely, Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr., Commissioner Edward Hayco, Director Merlita Ibay of the Bureau of Administrative, Finance, and Management Services, and Chief Accountant, Atty. Erik Jean Mayores.

Around 500 participants attended the session onsite, including the athletes, coaches, speakers, media partners, and the technical staff, while almost 200 people participated virtually via Zoom conference.

Dr. Alejandro Pineda, Jr. conducted an orientation on PHI-NADO’s role in ensuring the Philippine athletes’ compliance to world anti-doping rules, procedures, and standards. Resource speakers from the Medical, Health and Wellness field conducted lectures that would guide the athletes in their training and competition journey. 2025 AY Para Games RP Delegation Head Physician, Dr. Victor Felix Gaddi presented the Sports Medicine Care for Team Philippines; PSC MSAS Sports Psychology Unit Head, Dr. Karen Trinidad, PSC MSAS Sports Nutrition Unit Head, Assistant Professor Karen Leslie Pineda, and Ms. Ivana Paulina Pastrano, PSC MSAS Strength and Conditioning Coach provided guidance about Conditioning, Nutrition, and Mental Resilience of the athletes.

33rd SEA Games Deputy Chef de Mission, Jose Ponciano “Jop” Malonzo conducted a briefing for the Thailand-bound athletes, while 13th Asian Youth Para Games Chef de Mission Milette Bonoan conducted a briefing for the Dubai-bound young para athletes.

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The last part of the program focused on the core of Anti-Doping Education, wherein lectures on the rules, roles and responsibilities of athletes, and the prohibited list under the World Anti-Doping Code 2021 were delivered by PHI-NADO Doping Control Officer, Mr. Nathan Vasquez, Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) Committee Head, Dr. Marion Rivera, and Committee Member, Dr. Anna Lea Enriquez. The Anti-Doping Education session concluded with a panel discussion on “Clean Sport and Personal Journeys,” with Mr. Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Taekwondo athlete, and Dr. Kat Hernandez, Powerlifting para athlete, wherein the panelists shared about their experiences with anti-doping and major international competitions.

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PHI-NADO remains steadfast in its mission to educate the Filipino athletes on anti-doping and to promote clean sport.

God bless, Team Philippines! May our athletes be victorious not just in their respective sports, but in upholding the integrity of our country.

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Play True. Play Clean. Play Fair!

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Click here for more photos of the event.