LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Eric Joachim Hechanova, from Barangay Baay in Lingayen town, has made a significant mark in the athletic scene after taking home gold medals at the 17TH Southeast Asia (SEA) Athletics Championship in Under-18 and Under-20 held in Medan, Indonesia.
In his international debut, the 17-year-old sprinter clocked an impressive 9:06.35, outrunning athletes from other Southeast Asian nations. Sultan Hasibuan and Fikar Giroth of Indonesia came in 2nd and 3rd places with recorded times of 9:17.60 and 9:26.58, respectively. Julio Marti Amaral of Timor-Leste finished fourth with a time of 10:18.05.
Hechanova’s gold medal contributed to the Philippines’ medal count, marking the country’s 7th gold medal in the 17th SEA Athletics Championships. The Philippines bagged third place overall, with a total of 11 gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze medal, trailing behind Vietnam and the champion, Indonesia.
In the Philippines, Hechanova’s track record is nothing short of extraordinary. He previously won two gold medals at the Batang Pinoy 2025 in the 5,000-meter and 1,500-meter runs, respectively, and a silver medal at the Duaman Duathlon 2025.
Dedicating his victories to his family and girlfriend, Hechanova attributed his success to hard work, sacrifices, and discipline. He also acknowledged the support of his coach, fellow Pangasinense who is the recent Powerman Malaysia 2025 champion.
Determined to aim higher and consistently work on his goals, the homegrown athlete emphasized the importance of discipline, saying, “Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, laging makinig sa coach. Hindi ka naman ipapahamak ng coach mo sa mga pinapagawa niyang training.”
Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed gratitude and pride that a homegrown athlete like Hechanova raised the Philippine flag and represented Pangasinan victoriously in the international competition.
As a show of gratitude, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino approved a resolution congratulating Hechanova on November 24.
(Ramel Tungpalan, Aryssa Arsce Astilla, Ken Shelumuel Lambino | PIMRO Immersion Students, photo courtesy of Eric Joachim Hechanova)
