FOR the love of sport and her family, para-archer Agustina Bantiloc remains determined as she divides her time between training and caring for her three children.
Bantiloc, during the culmination program of the women’s month, shared her insights on how she manages her time between family and training despite having a disability.
"Binabalanse ko lang, parang normal na pamilya, ginagawa ko rin ang gawaing bahay," Bantiloc said.
Bantiloc started powerlifting in 2003 but eventually shifted to archery in 2011 where she had the privilege of representing the Philippines during the 2011 Southeast Asian Para Games in Indonesia.
As a power lifter, Bantiloc captured a gold in the 67.5 weight class of power lifting during in Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PSC-Philspada) Para National Games and eventually represented the country for the SEA Para Games in Myanmar.
She also brought home a silver during an international competition in Vietnam as a power lifter and a bronze medal as an archer during 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar but was disqualified to compete in the 2015 edition because of a technical ruling on the type of wheelchair she is using.
Despite the rigorous training, Bantiloc said she always finds time to take care of her children especially during breaks.
Bantiloc is currently training thrice a week at the Baguio Athletic Bowl for an upcoming tournament in Malaysia on September together with other para-athletes.
During her free time, Bantiloc is busy supporting her family with her beads accessories micro – business which helped one of her children finish college and is now working.
"Huwag gawing hadlang ang kapansanan. Dapat tanggap din ng pamilya at ang community ang mga taong may kapansanan para magpatuloy sa buhay," Bantiloc said.