FOR ushering in a new era in women’s football in Southeast Asia – long dominated by Vietnam and Thailand over the past four decades – Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is seeking a commendation for the Philippine women’s national football team, the Filipinas.
“Their historic success marks another important milestone for Philippine sports and for Filipina athletes rising as a new force in football. This monumental achievement brings immense pride and honor to the country and deserves to be celebrated by the entire nation,” Estrada said.
Estrada filed Senate Resolution No. 247 after the Filipinas made history by defeating powerhouse Vietnam in a nail-biting 6–5 penalty shootout on December 17, 2025, at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand, capturing the country’s first-ever gold medal in women’s football since the sport was introduced in the SEA Games in 1985.
The team’s championship run was nothing short of inspiring, as they displayed remarkable resilience – overcoming an opening 2–1 loss to Myanmar, bouncing back with emphatic victories over Vietnam (1–0) and Malaysia (6–0), stunning host nation and five-time champion Thailand in a dramatic semifinal decided by penalties (4–2), and ultimately clinching the gold with another nerve-wracking shootout win against eight-time champion Vietnam in the finals.
Prior to this breakthrough, the Philippines had managed only to snag two bronze medals in women’s football across thirteen SEA Games editions over the last 40 years since 1985. During the same period, the country narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the 1995, 2005, 2017, and 2019 games.
Estrada said the monumental achievement, which elevates the standards for homegrown talent, is truly deserving of equal attention and expanded opportunities to further develop the athletes’ skills and potential.
“The Filipinas’ victory is more than just a medal — it is a milestone for Philippine sports and a powerful symbol of what Filipina athletes can achieve on the international stage,” he said.
Through Resolution No. 247, the Senate recognizes the team’s dedication, resilience, and collective effort, which brought immense pride and honor to the nation and boosted Team Philippines’ overall medal haul in the 33rd SEA Games.
The resolution celebrates the Filipinas as champions, trailblazers, and role models, proving that with grit and unity, Filipinos can conquer the biggest stages in sports, Estrada added.