ACHIEVEMENTS

Southeast Asian Games

• Manila 1991 100m Breastroke – Gold

• Manila 1991 100m Butterfly – Gold

• Manila 1991 200m Butterfly – Gold

• Manila 1991 200m Individual Medley – Gold

• Manila 1991 400 m Individual Medley – Gold

• Singapore 1993 100m Butterfly – Gold

• Kuala Lumpur 1989 100m Butterfly – Silver

• Singapore 1993 100m Breastroke – Silver

• Bangkok 1985 400m Individual Medley – Gold

• Bangkok 1985 4×100m Medley Relay – Bronze

• Bangkok 1985 200m Backstroke – Bronze

• Jakarta 1987 200m Freestyle -Gold  

• Jakarta 1987 100m Butterfly- Gold   

• Jakarta 1987 200m Butterfly – Gold  

• Jakarta 1987 400m Individual Medley – Gold

• Jakarta 1987 100m Freestyle – Bronze

• Jakarta 1987 100m Backstroke – Bronze

• Kuala Lumpur 1989 200m Individual Medley – Gold

• Kuala Lumpur 1989 400m Individual Medley – Gold

• Kuala Lumpur 1989 200m Freestyle – Bronze

Hall of Fame

• 2015 – De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) Sports Hall of Fame Awardee

• 2021 – Philippine Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

BIOGRAPHY

Born on April 12, 1970, swimming icon Eric Buhain completely turned the tide in the realm of sports, not just in swimming.

At his young age, Joseph Eric Buhain was diagnosed with a primary lung complex. As a way to improve his condition, his doctor advised him to try swimming as a way to regulate his lungs. It was not something that brought out his eagerness to prove one thing, but a way that would help him live better.

He took on swimming lessons as advised by his physician, but Eric took it up a notch. He enrolled himself in advanced swimming lessons wherein he later became a part of the varsity swimming team of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, completely changing his outlook on swimming.

It was in Buhain’s teenage years that he represented the country in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. In his debut in the 1985 SEA Games, he snatched the gold in the 400m individual medley that marked the start of his remarkable sporting career.

From then on, he suited up for Team Philippines’ roster of swimmers, proving himself worthy with the multitude of medals he brought home from every succeeding edition of the SEA Games.

With the country’s recognition of his prowess, he represented the country at the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics, bearing the Philippine flag in the 1988 opening ceremonies.

He would later on retire after his successful stint at the 1993 SEA Games.

Bound by his spirit of being an athlete, Buhain devoted himself to public service. He first became the national training director of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association (PASA) and president of the Professional Swimming Coaches Academy of the Philippines (ProSCAP).

In 2001, Buhain also took the helm of the Philippine Sports Commission, serving the government’s sports arm. This further changed the course of sports in the country, evident by the increase of medals in the 2002 Asian Games compared to its last edition.

His last designation in the sports community was as Chairman of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).

At present, he is still in service to the public as a Member of the Philippine House of Representatives from Batangas’ 1st District.

He was inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.