The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) says it has pledged an initial PHP5 million (US$86,000) to support the Philippine women’s national football squad – known as the ‘Filipinas’ – when it competes in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled for March 1 to 21 in Australia.
The funding will help cover expenses for training camps, international friendlies and other preparatory activities leading up to the tournament.
The Philippine gaming regulator stated that its financial assistance – via the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) – “comes as the Filipinas build momentum following their historic win at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, earning the country’s first-ever SEA Games gold medal in women’s football”.
Alejandro Tengco (pictured, centre), Pagcor chairman and chief executive, was cited saying in a recent press release, that supporting national athletes who bring honour to the country was both a responsibility and an investment in national pride.
“Our athletes carry the Philippine flag onto the world stage, and their victories inspire millions of Filipinos,” Mr Tengco said.
“When they succeed, the entire nation shares in that achievement. It is only fitting that we provide them with the support they need to train properly and compete at the highest levels,” he added.
Mr Tengco stated that Pagcor strengthened its support for sports development following a Supreme Court ruling directing the agency to remit the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC’s) 5 percent share based on Pagcor’s gross revenues.
“With our increased remittances to the PSC, more resources are being made available for national sports programmes,” he said. “Beyond compliance, we believe in actively backing Filipino athletes who bring pride and recognition to the country.”
The Australian campaign also “serves as a key pathway to global competitions like the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup,” stated Pagcor.
PFF president, John Anthony Gutierrez, welcomed Pagcor’s support and underscored the importance of sustained backing from both government and private institutions.
“We are grateful to Pagcor for stepping up at a crucial time in our preparations,” Mr Gutierrez said during a courtesy call on Mr Tengco at the Pagcor corporate office in Pasay City .
“Competing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup requires significant resources for high-level training and international exposure,” the PFF head said. “Continued support from our partners ensures that our athletes are fully equipped to compete with Asia’s best.”
