Desirae Mangaoang delivered the country’s first gold in the three-day, 10-country meet in only her first time representing the Philippines.
The 16-year-old swimmer, born in the United States to Filipino parents, ruled the 16-18 girls’ 50-meter breast stroke event with a clocking of 33.20.
Georgia Peregrina, who is also making her debut for Team Philippines, took the 16-18 girls’ 100m backstroke gold along with a silver in the 200m individual medley.
The 18-year-old Filipino-Australian, who owns the national women’s record in 200m backstroke, registered 1:06 in backstroke and 2:23.26 in IM.
Jerard Jacinto, meanwhile, copped his first gold medal after topping the 16-18 boys’ 100m backstroke event with a time of 56.92, 1.6 seconds faster than second placer Hoe Yean Khiew of Thailand.
After the first day, the Filipino junior swimmers have three golds, six silvers and four bronzes for sixth place.