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| Filipinas, the national women's football team, celebrating their historic 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women's Championship win (Image Source: Interaksyon.com/Facebook/Philippine Football Federation) |
PLDT Inc. and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. lauded Filipinas for their historic ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship win held last July 17, 2022 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Beating regional rival Thailand, 3-0, in the finals in front of more than 8,000 Filipino football fans and enthusiasts, the Philippine women’s national football team bagged the championship title for the first time ever as they continue to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 slated to take place in Australia. Filipinas also beat the defending champions and reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Vietnam in the semis to enter the finals.
“Congratulations to Filipinas for marking another milestone in sports history! This is proof that if we give our athletes the support and training that they need, we can help them reach their goals and bring glory to the country. We will continue to back Filipinas as they gear up for the World Cup next year,” said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio who is also the President of the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and the First Vice President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). PLDT also provided internet connectivity to livestream the games at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Imus Grandstand, and Binan Football Stadium from July 4 to 17, bringing the football action closer to fans. As part of their broad commitment to develop sports and assist Filipino athletes, PLDT and Smart, through MVPSF, have been supporting the Philippine Football Federation through its various programs for more than a decade.
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 U-7, U-9, and developing young talents with U-11, U-13 regional/provincial cluster festivals for both boys and girls. MVPSF also supports the PFF Coaches’ Education initiatives. These include the PFF-MVPSF National Coaches’ Convention, which updates the local instructors and trainers with the latest trends. FIFA and World Football experts also share their knowledge and best practices through Technical and Tactical discussions. This program is part of the PLDT Group’s overall support for sports and Filipino athletes, and underscores the company’s contribution to the third United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) which is Good Health and Well-Being.
