President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) accepts a collection of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s memorabilia at the newly modernized National Sports Museum in Pasig City on Tuesday (Feb. 24, 2026). The collection includes two pairs of competition trunks from Pacman’s bouts with Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, and the WBC world championship belt that cemented his stature as the only boxer in history to win titles across eight weight divisions. (RTVM Screengrab)
There are athletes whose impact goes far beyond medals and scorecards. Manny Pacquiao belongs to that rare class — a figure whose journey reshaped not only a sport, but a nation’s sense of pride.
On Tuesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally received a carefully curated collection of Pacquiao’s memorabilia at the newly modernized National Sports Museum in Pasig City, ensuring that the story of the Filipino boxing icon will live on for generations.
At the heart of the donation are powerful symbols of Pacquiao’s rise: competition trunks worn in his historic bouts against Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, and the World Boxing Council championship belt that sealed his place in history as the only boxer to conquer eight weight divisions. Now part of the museum’s permanent collection, these items capture more than victories — they embody grit, sacrifice, and the unyielding Filipino spirit.
In his remarks, Marcos reflected on how Pacquiao’s influence extended far beyond the ring.
“Hinding-hindi lamang sa boxing, kundi sa lahat ng kanyang katangian bilang isang Pilipino, ang ating minamahal na champion,” the President said, recalling how Pacquiao united Filipinos worldwide, not just through knockout punches, but through the pride he carried every time he stepped into the spotlight.
Marcos noted that while Pacquiao thrilled fans with his fearless style, what truly set him apart was the character he displayed away from the cameras. Quiet acts of generosity, extended to Filipinos in need without fanfare, became as much a part of his legacy as his titles.
“Hindi lang siya champion sa boxing,” Marcos said. “He is a champion of humanity. He is a champion as a Filipino. He is a champion as a man. And he is a champion in all our hearts.”
With his legacy now preserved at the National Sports Museum, Manny Pacquiao’s story takes on a new role — not just as a reminder of greatness achieved, but as a lasting source of inspiration for every Filipino who dares to dream beyond their limits.