Fresh off securing their return to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippine women’s national football team, the Filipinas, have been recognized as the nation’s best, earning the Athletes of the Year honor at the third All Women Sports Awards held on March 20 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) extends its gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for bestowing this distinction on the World Cup-bound Filipinas. The recognition comes just a day after the team clinched qualification to the global showpiece, defeating Uzbekistan in the playoff round of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The award underscores the steady growth of women’s football in the Philippines, as the Filipinas continue to break barriers and inspire a new generation of athletes. It also highlights the program’s sustained excellence, following back-to-back milestones that include a historic debut in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a return to the tournament for 2027.
The PFF also congratulates former Filipinas captain Inna Palacios, who received the Lifetime Award, and current national team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who was honored with a Major Award. Both players have exemplified the resilience, leadership, and fighting spirit of the Filipina footballer, contributing significantly to the national team’s rise on the international stage.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez highlighted the significance of the recognition and its impact on the continued development of the sport.
“The Filipinas being named Athletes of the Year reflects the remarkable growth of women’s football in the Philippines—from a developing program to a team that consistently competes and succeeds on the international stage,” Gutierrez said.
This recognition is built on years of investment in grassroots programs, youth national teams, and the professionalization of our structures, which have all contributed to milestones such as our first-ever SEA Games gold medal and back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifications.
“We are committed to sustaining this momentum by expanding opportunities for young Filipina footballers nationwide,” he added. “Through stronger grassroots pathways, enhanced competitions, and continued partnerships with institutions like PSC, we aim to ensure that more young girls can see a future for themselves in football and proudly represent the Philippines on the world stage.”
Two-time Olympic medalist in women’s boxing Nesthy Petecio playfully poses with Filipinas legendary goalkeeper Inna Palacios.
Palacios, whose career helped lay the foundation for the Filipinas’ current success, emphasized the deeper purpose behind her journey in football. Her story of perseverance and belief—from early uncertainties to leading the national team—resonates with the broader mission of growing the sport and inspiring young Filipinas to dream bigger. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping a pathway for the next generation, proving that passion and commitment can drive lasting change in Philippine football.
“The first time I wore the flag on my chest, I felt something deeper. A deep sense of pride and responsibility do represent the country I was born in,” Palacios said in her acceptance speech.
She encapsulated her long national team career, saying:
It took me 18 years to win three medals for the Philippines and step on football’s biggest stage. It took me 18 years to understand and fulfill my role in Philippine football as a player. I’m proud to say that I ended my 18 year journey with the national team as a SEA Games gold medalist.
McDaniel reflected on the honor of representing the country. “It is an honor of my life to compete for the Philippines and my family,” she said.
Whenever I play for the country, I make sure to give everything I have because not many people get to do this. Maraming salamat sa suporta. Para sa bayan!
The 2026 awards ceremony was led by PSC Commissioner and Filipina bowling legend Bong Coo, and was also graced by PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio and Senate President Tito Sotto, underscoring the significance of the recognition across the Philippine sports landscape.
Palacios and PFF Head for Women’s Football Development and former Filipinas captain Camille Rodriguez (center) with (L-R) PSC Commissioner and Filipina bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, PSC Chair Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. (Photo by PSC)
The Filipinas’ selection as Athletes of the Year follows a growing list of honors for Philippine women’s football. In the inaugural edition of the awards in 2024, World Cup goal scorer and Filipinas all-time leading scorer Sarina Bolden was named Athlete of the Year alongside then rising tennis standout Alex Eala.
The PFF once again expresses its deepest gratitude to the PSC, Commissioner Bong Coo, and the PCW for their unwavering support in advancing women’s sports and empowering Filipina athletes.
Mabuhay ang kababaihang atleta. Mabuhay ang Philippine women’s football.
