The award was given to the Malditas as they qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with their semifinal berth in the Women’s Asian Cup.

PSC Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez said that the institution highly values the contribution of the team to the country’s sports history, to which a cash incentive of 1.25 million was awarded to the 23 players and 2 reserves of the team.

“It recognizes the significance of their breakthrough performance during the Asian Cup and the qualification to the 2023 World Cup,” said Ramirez.

Last Monday, Philippine Football Federation President Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta along with a few members of the team attended the flag-raising ceremony of the government sports agency which was followed by a courtesy call to Ramirez.

“I am proud of our women football team members. We met them (last Monday) and we can feel their humility and strong team spirit. I think this contributed much to their success, among other factors,” said Ramirez.

The national team was also grateful and co-captain Hali Long attributed the squad’s success to the efforts of the squad and the PSC.

“This is one of the pinnacles of our experience. We couldn’t have done it without the PSC’s support and all of you behind the scenes. You are all part of this achievement,” she said.