The Filipinas celebrate in the din of fireworks and sprays of champagne after blanking Thailand, 3-0, for the country’s first Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship title on Sunday before a banner crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium pitch. –PFF PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to step up government support for Filipino athletes as he congratulated the Philippine Women’s National Football team Filipinas for its historic win last Sunday.
He made the remark after lady footballers Filipinas paid him a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.
“We have to do better in terms of government support when it comes to our athletes. Medyo nabawasan nung nawala ‘yung sports sa eskuwelahan, when DECS (Department of Education, Culture and Sports) became Department of Education alone, the emphasis on sport became a little bit less,” Marcos said.
“But that is something that we really should encourage because sport means more than just playing games. It means developing discipline, learning how to sacrifice, learning to be gracious in victory, learning to work with other people as a team,” he added.
Marcos congratulated the members of the Filipinas team, saying their feat brought so much joy to their countrymen and made them proud of being Filipino.
He also said their win “is the greatest gift that you have given your country.”
“So I thank you very much, and I congratulate you for this great achievement and great championship,” the President said.
He also praised the team for its sacrifices and dedication, particularly as it waded through hurdles caused by pandemic-induced restrictions.
Marcos said team Filipinas could maintain their fitness, skills, and teamwork despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team made history Sunday after bagging the country’s first Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Football Championship by dominating the Southeast Asia powerhouse Thailand, 3-0, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.