06/06/2026
Pam Santor overcomes personal struggles to clinch golden sweep in Palarong Pambansa
By Gab Ferreras
Published on People's Journal Tonight today, June 7
Patricia Mae “Pam” Santor’s captivating Palarong Pambansa journey came to a fitting and historic close as she delivered a flawless golden sweep and record-breaking performances in the 2026 edition held in Agusan del Sur.
The 18-year-old Ilustre East Aquatics standout, representing the National Capital Region (NCR), achieved a perfect 7-for-7 gold medal haul, reigning supreme in every event she entered.
She collected gold medals in the 200m and 400m Individual Medley, 100m Butterfly, and 200m Butterfly, while also helping set new Palarong Pambansa records in the 4x50m Medley Relay, 4x100m Medley Relay, and 50m Butterfly.
In the 50m Butterfly, Santor shattered the six-year-old record of 29.08 seconds set by Camille Buico in 2019, clocking an impressive 28.98 seconds to establish a new benchmark.
Santor capped off her remarkable campaign by being named the Most Bemedalled Athlete of this year's Palaro, further cementing her status as one of the country's future swimming stars.
"Medyo emosyonal since last year ko na po. I'm greatful that during my last year, i was able to do that sweep of golds and new records. Pinaghirapan ko po ito and i'm glad in the end, ginawa ko po ang kakayanin ko, i believe in myself like the support speaks to me.", Santor told People's Journal Tonight in an online interview.
Coming into her final year, Santor also experienced personal struggles while juggling training and academics and she overcome it with the support of her coaches, family and teammates.
"I really had to push myself especially marami pong pinagdaanan nga po. I was glad that i have my coach beside me all the time during swimming, giving me advice, and also my teammates who supported me all through out. Nakaka-relieve ako sa sarili na may mga tao na sumusuporta sa akin during my hardships and even in Palaro.", she added.
Santor also surprised that she finally made it into the record books of the Palarong Pambansa.
"I was aware on the record ever since i started Palaro. Kaya in-eye ko nga siya, i really wanted to beat her time and i tried to do different styles of training, in the end, kinuha ko rin, medyo disappointed ako na di ko kinuha ang others.", Santor explained.
While she is stepping away from the Palarong Pambansa, she is now focusing on joining the Asian Age Group and SEA Age Group tilts this year as well as joining the University of Santo Tomas collegiate team starting in UAAP Season 89.
She is also eyeing to join the tryouts for the 2027 SEA Games, a one step closer to her life-long dream of representing the country in the Olympics.
"I will be joining the SEA Games trials next year. I hope i qualify for that and i have small goals na sana makuha ko po ang junior Philippine record of 200m butterfly. I really want to get that at tagal ko pineprare ko at qualifying for more international competitions, at ang big goal is seems pretty far but i hope douable po is to participate in Asian Games and Olympics.", Pam ended.
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