Para swimmer Paulino won the first gold medal in the PH National Para Games.

Para swimmer Christian Benedict Paulino won the first gold medal in the ongoing 8th Philippine National Para Games being held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Paulino, who represented Quezon City LGU, won the men's 400m freestyle S6-S7 in six minutes and 55.61 seconds, beating Zach Lucas Osioma of Cadiz City, who clocked 8:27.50.

According to Paulino, this is his first win in the Para Games so he is happy to have won the gold medal and said that it is also his dream to participate in the Paralympics.

"This is my first time winning in the National Para Games. I am happy because I want to pursue my dream of participating in the Paralympics," Paulino said in Filipino.

Paulino added that he also wants to achieve what his idol, Para swimmer Ernie Gawilan has accomplished.

"I also want to achieve what my brother Ernie accomplished. He is my idol," Paulino added. 

Meanwhile, other gold medalists on the first day of the Para Games were Justine Oliveros of Laguna for the men's 400m freestyle S8, S9, S10 and Tokyo Paralympian Gary Bejino for the men's 50m butterfly S6 and S7.