MANILA — Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution seeking Senate commendation for the Philippine women’s national football team, the Filipinas, following their historic gold medal victory at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, a breakthrough that ended decades of regional dominance by Vietnam and Thailand.
Estrada said the team’s triumph signaled a new era for women’s football in Southeast Asia and marked a major milestone for Philippine sports, particularly for female athletes striving for greater recognition on the international stage.
“Their historic success marks another important milestone for Philippine sports and for Filipina athletes rising as a new force in football,” Estrada said. “This monumental achievement brings immense pride and honor to the country and deserves to be celebrated by the entire nation.”
The senator filed Senate Resolution (SR) 247 after the Filipinas defeated powerhouse Vietnam in a tense 6–5 penalty shootout on Dec. 17, 2025, at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand, clinching the country’s first-ever gold medal in women’s football since the sport was introduced in the SEA Games in 1985.
The Philippines’ championship run was marked by resilience and determination. After opening the tournament with a narrow 2-1 loss to Myanmar, the Filipinas rebounded with a 1-0 victory over Vietnam and a dominant 6-0 win against Malaysia in the group stage. They then stunned the host nation and five-time champion Thailand in the semifinals via a 4-2 penalty shootout before once again overcoming Vietnam in the finals through another dramatic shootout.
Before the gold medal breakthrough, the Philippines had only secured two bronze medals in women’s football in 13 SEA Games appearances over the past four decades. The team also narrowly missed the podium on several occasions, finishing fourth in the 1995, 2005, 2017, and 2019 editions of the regional meet.
Estrada said the Filipinas’ achievement raises the bar for homegrown football talent and underscores the need for sustained support, investment, and expanded development programs for women athletes.
“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.
Under SR 247, the Senate formally recognizes the team’s dedication, discipline, and collective effort, noting that their gold medal significantly contributed to Team Philippines’ overall medal tally at the 33rd SEA Games.
Estrada added that the Filipinas’ success positions them as champions, trailblazers, and role models, demonstrating that with unity, grit, and perseverance, Filipino athletes can prevail against the region’s strongest competitors.