PFF marks AFC Women’s Football Day 2026

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The Philippine Football Federation joined a record 42 member associations across Asia in celebrating AFC Women’s Football Day 2026, staging a full-day football festival on International Women’s Day at the SM Mall of Asia Complex.

Held as International Women’s Month 2026 drew to a close, the event highlighted women’s growing presence in football and gathered players, coaches, fans, and communities in a common push to expand the women’s game in the Philippines.

The PFF said more than 350 participants took part in the celebration, reflecting what it described as strong support for inclusivity, participation, and empowerment through football.

The Philippines’ participation also placed it in a region-wide observance led by the Asian Football Confederation, which this year saw a record 42 member associations hold simultaneous activities for women’s football.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the event carried both symbolic and practical weight for the local game.

“AFC Women’s Football Day is a powerful reminder of how far women’s football has come and how much further it can grow when given the right opportunities and support,” said Gutierrez.

“With the Filipinas and our futsal teams breaking new ground, we remain fully committed to building an inclusive ecosystem where every Filipina can play, lead, and succeed in football.”

This year’s celebration came at a significant time for Philippine women’s football, with the national women’s football team having secured qualification for its second straight FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Philippine women’s national futsal team also entered the event on the back of its best-ever campaign in the ASEAN Championship.

The PFF said women are also taking on bigger roles across the sport, not only as players but also as coaches, officials, and leaders shaping football’s future.

That trend, it said, has also been reflected in the ongoing PFF Futsaliga, which drew 16 women’s teams in the seniors and U17 divisions.

The same tournament has also featured women coaches and managers in the men’s and boys U17 competitions.

At the center of the AFC Women’s Football Day celebration was the U15 Girls 8v8 Tournament held at the SM MOA Sky Pitch.

The tournament featured 10 all-girls teams from schools, clubs, and communities.

Matches were played at the Adidas Football Park, which the PFF described as the home of the Filipinas.

The tournament also stood out for having an all-women roster of referees and match officials.

The all-women roster of match officials included Annalou Arrogante, Jycelia May Diong, Joma Clemente, Cherry May Bernabe, Adrienne Denise Gumtang, and Jeankie Pido Labrague.

The PFF said the tournament was not only a celebration of young women’s passion for football and the professionalism of women game officials.

It also forms part of the ongoing campaign of the PFF, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Education to promote 8v8 football as the optimal format for developing youth athletes.

Team Bello emerged as champion after defeating Bella Football Academy, 2-0, in the final.

Bella FA finished as first runner-up while Gabaldon FC placed second runner-up.

Lobos Youth FC took third runner-up honors.

The tournament also recognized individual performers, with eight players from the top teams receiving Best Player and Best Teammate awards.

The Best Player awardees were Chelsea Versales of Bello, Lucy Lumibao of Bella FA, Alex Quilet of Gabaldon FC, and Joy Lim of Lobos Youth FC.

The Best Teammate awardees were Bella Miranda of Bello, Cecilia Beñares of Bella FA, Gena Yee of Gabaldon FC, and Julia Malina of Lobos Youth FC.

PFF Head for Women’s Football Development Camille Rodriguez said the event’s design itself was meant to reflect the kind of football environment the federation wants to build.

“In designing this event, we were intentional in creating a space for women in football,” said Rodriguez.

“From having all-female referees in the 8v8 tournament to a predominantly female organizing team and volunteers, every detail was designed to reflect the kind of ecosystem we are building.”

Beyond the tournament, the event also focused on access and participation.

A beginner-level youth football clinic welcomed 35 participants from grassroots teams and introduced basic football skills in what organizers described as a fun and supportive setting.

An Open Play Session also brought together around 100 participants from different age groups and experience levels.

The PFF said the session included everyone from former collegiate players to first-time footballers, underscoring the game’s community-driven and inclusive character.

The celebration also included a watch party for the Philippines-Iran match in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

That gathering added to the event’s sense of unity as participants and their families watched the Filipinas compete and win.

For the federation, the result was more than a symbolic celebration tied to International Women’s Month.

The PFF said the success of AFC Women’s Football Day 2026 reflected the rapid growth and momentum of women’s football in the Philippines.

It also reinforced the federation’s long-term vision of building safe, accessible, and sustainable pathways for girls and women in football across the country.

“Mabuhay ang kababaihang futbolista! Mabuhay ang Philippine women’s football!”