PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco (center) receives a token from Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez (8th from left) and members of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (Filipinas) during their visit at the PAGCOR Corporate Office on February 18.
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team is getting a major boost as it prepares for continental battle, with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation committing an initial ₱5 million in support for the Filipinas’ campaign in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
The tournament, set for March 1 to 21, 2026, will feature Asia’s top women’s football nations and serves as a critical pathway toward global competitions, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. PAGCOR’s financial backing, to be coursed through the Philippine Football Federation, comes as the Filipinas continue to build momentum following their historic gold medal triumph at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games—the Philippines’ first-ever SEA Games title in women’s football.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said supporting national athletes who bring honor to the country is both a responsibility and a meaningful investment in national pride.
“Our athletes carry the Philippine flag onto the world stage, and their victories inspire millions of Filipinos,” Tengco said. “When they succeed, the entire nation shares in that achievement. It is only fitting that we provide them with the support they need to train properly and compete at the highest levels.”
Tengco added that PAGCOR has strengthened its backing for sports development following a Supreme Court ruling directing the agency to remit the Philippine Sports Commission’s five-percent share based on gross revenues, expanding funding for national sports programs.
“With our increased remittances to the PSC, more resources are being made available for national sports programs,” he said. “Beyond compliance, we believe in actively backing Filipino athletes who bring pride and recognition to the country.”
For the PFF, the funding will help cover key expenses such as training camps, international friendly matches, and other preparatory activities essential for competing against Asia’s elite sides. The Australia campaign is seen as a crucial test of the Filipinas’ continued rise on the international stage.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez welcomed PAGCOR’s support, emphasizing the importance of sustained assistance from both government and private partners.
“We are grateful to PAGCOR for stepping up at a crucial time in our preparations,” Gutierrez said during a courtesy call on Tengco at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City. “Competing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup requires significant resources for high-level training and international exposure. Continued support from our partners ensures that our athletes are fully equipped to compete with Asia’s best.”
With renewed backing secured and confidence at an all-time high, the Filipinas now turn their focus to Australia—aiming not just to compete, but to further cement their place among Asia’s rising forces in women’s football.