Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 20) — Members of the Philippine women’s football team paid a courtesy call at Malacañang on Wednesday in light of their historic victory in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Football Championship over the weekend
During the visit, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. extended his congratulations to the athletes and thanked their group for bringing pride to the country.
“This is the first time that we have won this championship,” Marcos said. “It is the years and years of sacrifice that you put in, the amount of training. I can only imagine how hard it was to train during the pandemic.”
The team Filipinas clinched the title — its first ever — after taking down regional powerhouse Thailand in a 3-0 match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Sunday.
READ: Filipinas exact revenge on Thailand to capture first AFF crown
“You brought so much joy to your countrymen. You made us also proud of you and of being Filipinos, and that I think is the greatest gift that you have given your country,” the President added.
According to the Presidential News Desk, Marcos also acknowledged in his speech the need for better government support for the country’s athletes.
