PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. are celebrating the incredible win of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, booking a World Cup berth for the first time ever.
The team defeated Chinese Taipei 4-3 on penalties in a nail-biting quarterfinals game in Pune, India last night. This earned them a slot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 slated to take place in Australia.
“Our Women’s National Football Team demonstrated their resilience, skills, and unyielding spirit in the fight to qualify for the World Cup 2023. Congratulations as well to Philippine Football Federation President Nonong Araneta and Secretary-General Ed Gastanes for their important role in this achievement and their leadership in developing this sport for Filipinos. This is proof that if we give our athletes the support and training that they need, we can help them reach their goals. We are extremely proud to be part of their journey as they make herstory and bring glory to the country,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications President and CEO. Panlilio is also the President of the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and the First Vice President of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The Philippines will face South Korea next for the AFC Asian Women’s Cup semifinals on February 3.
Helping PH football
PLDT and Smart, through MVPSF, have been supporting the PFF through its various programs. Following the breakthrough win of the Philippine Azkals in 2010, the MVP Group decided to invest in football across the country through the PFF-SMART National Club Championships 2011-2015. The foundation then began its support to the PFF’s Women’s National Team program when the organization decided to invest in Talent Identification of heritage Filipinas playing in the U.S., the FIFA Women’s World #1 ranked country.
In addition, MVPSF has been actively promoting football at the grassroots level, running leagues for U7, U9, and developing young talents with U11, U13 regional/provincial cluster festivals for both boys and girls.
MVPSF also supports the PFF Coaches’ Education initiatives, including the PFF-MVPSF National Coaches’ Convention, to update the local instructors and trainers with the latest trends, as well as Technical and Tactical discussions with FIFA and World Football experts who share their knowledge and best practices.
“We will continue to support the national team as they prepare for the World Cup in 2023. We will also develop the potential of our athletes who are training under PFF. We hope that this history-making feat of the Women’s National Football Team will inspire more Filipinas to get into the sport,” said Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart, and Executive Director at MVPSF.
This program is part of the PLDT Group’s overall support for sports and Filipino athletes and underscores the company’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal # 3: Good Health and Well-being.