Senator Joel Villanueva lauded the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball Team following its historic silver medal finish at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, calling the feat a breakthrough moment for Philippine sports and a source of national pride.
Filing Senate Resolution No. 360, Villanueva highlighted the first-ever podium finish of the national team, composed of Afril Bernardino, Kacey Dela Rosa, Cheska Apag, and Mikka Cacho.
The women’s team finished fourth place in the 2025 tournament.
Villanueva lauded the team for demonstrating exceptional resilience and skill throughout the tournament, with Bernardino even earning a spot in the Cup’s Team of the Tournament.
“The Gilas Pilipinas Women’s basketball team’s achievement serves as an inspiration to Filipino athletes, especially women in sports, and highlights the growing strength of Philippine basketball on the global stage,” said Villanueva, who was part of the 1994 Philippine Youth Team that competed in the inaugural SEABA Championship in Malaysia.
The senator said the team’s victories over strong basketball nations such as Japan and Mongolia show the rapid development and rising competitiveness of Philippine women’s basketball.
In the quarterfinals, the Philippines stunned second seed Mongolia with a score of 15–12, showcasing offensive efficiency and defensive discipline.
The Gilas Women secured a hard-fought victory over Japan, 21-19, in the semifinals to advance to the final match against the strong Australian team.
Meanwhile, Villanueva also congratulated the men’s 3×3 basketball team for reaching the quarterfinals, its best finish in the tournament since 2022.
The senator, a staunch advocate for sports development in the country, said the dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff reflects the discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and patriotism that bring honor to the Filipino people.
“Kulang man po tayo minsan sa tangkad, higante naman ang puso ng ating mga atletang Pinoy para mabigyang karangalan ang ating mga kababayan,” Villanueva said.
