It is actually 18-12-8
It was earlier reported here that the Cordillera contingent contributed 17 golds, 11 silvers and 7 bronze medals to the overall Philippine tally of 149-117-121 in the 29th SEA Games.
It is even better!
A recent recognition from the Baguio City Council and the Province of Benguet of athletes participating in the SEA Games confirmed that there should be more in the list.
See updated list: Cordi athletes chip in 18-12-8 medals for PH in 30th SEA Games
The Baguio City recognition included Michael Angelo Marquez, who like dancing partner Stephanie Sabalo, got two golds and a silver in Dancesport, making him tied for the most bemedalled athlete from Cordilleras, Mark Striegl and his gold in Sambo, and Jedd Andre Kim and his bronze also in Sambo.
Benguet also confirmed that Rusha Mae Bayacsan and Iredin Lepatan are bona fide winning representatives of the province by virtue of their copping of a silver medal in Muay.
As a result, the count is actually 18-12-8, the additional gold courtesy of Striegl, the additional silver courtesy of Bayacsan and Lepatan, and the additional bronze courtesy of Kim.
Marquez and Sabalo won their medals as a tandem, making the initial tally in as far as dancesport medals still accurate.
While it is true the Philippines pulled out a historic performance in this SEA Games, this was also a first in as far as the volume of contributions from Cordillerans for a national cause during an international sports competition.
By Armando M. Bolislis
