Diaz, a dean at the College of Human Kinetics at the University of the Philippines, takes up the role as preparations build ahead of the Paralympics - due to take place in seven months’ time.

The Philippines sent a team of five athletes to Rio 2016, with table tennis player Josephine Medina clinching bronze.

So far only swimmer Ernie Gawilan has booked a place at Tokyo 2020, although Medina is expected to seal a spot once.

Doubts remain over the staging of this year’s Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But Michael Barredo, President of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), said it was focusing on preparing athletes for Tokyo 2020.

"We are looking forward to a busy calendar for our Para athletes," Barredo told the Inquirer.

"In fact, preparations for major events this year have already started."

The PPC has appointed secretary general Walter Torres as the Chef de Mission for the 2022 Association of Southeast Asian Nations Para Games in Hanoi in Vietnam.

Judd Anastacio has also been handed the same role for the 2022 Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain.

The PPC has additionally linked up with the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled to hold a series of webinars to promote Para sport.

"Conducted by our very own Para head coaches, these webinars are designed to promote and develop Para sports in the country," added Barredo.