BOTOLAN, Zambales — Mariel Abuan from Brgy. Danacbunga in Botolan made Zambales proud recently by bringing home a bronze medal from the Malaysia Open Athletics Championships 2025.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. congratulated Abuan on behalf of Zambaleños upon her return from the competition.

According to a Sept. 5 news bulletin from the Philippine Embassy in Kula Lumpur, Abuan bagged the bronze medal by placing third in the women’s high jump with a 1.60-meters effort. Two Malaysian athletes took the gold and silver, respectively.

Abuan and other members of the Philippine team brought home a total of six medals from the championship which was held August 29-31 at Stadium Tuanku Syed Putra Kangar in the Malaysian State of Perlis.

The winning Filipino athletes include Sarah Dequinan, who took gold in heptathlon and bronze in the women’s long jump; Jeralyn Rodriguez, who earned gold in the women’s 400m; Kharis Lark Pantonial, with silver in the 400m; and Leonord Gorospe, with silver in the high jump.

Consul General Roussel Reyes congratulated the athletes and reaffirmed the Embassy’s continued support for Filipino athletes abroad. 