In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) since taking office in 2022, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. gave special mention to the country’s sports community, particularly tennis sensation Alex Eala and the Philippine National Football Teams.
Stronger Support for Philippine Sports
During the latter part of his SONA on July 27, the 17th President of the Philippines underscored how the public has strengthened its support for sports, emphasizing that it is a way for Filipinos to stay healthy.
“Mahalaga rin sa atin ang sports. Itinaas natin nang triple ang suporta natin dito. Hindi lamang dahil sa aliw na hatid nito, kundi para sa kalusugan,” said President Marcos.
While one of the main goals of sports is to encourage the public to stay healthy and exercise more, Filipinos have also become increasingly engaged in various sporting events over the past few months. This led to the President’s next statement.
Acknowledging Alex Eala and the Philippine National Football Teams
President Marcos then cited how the influence of Alex Eala and the success of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) have encouraged many Filipinos to learn more about tennis and football, as well as take up the sports themselves. He also expressed his hope of one day seeing the Philippine Men’s National Football Team qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
“Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis kundi ng iba pang sport,” the President said.
“Sa halimbawa ng Pilipinas women’s football team, sana rin ay mas sumikat pa ang football sa ating bansa at marami ang maglaro. Balang-araw, baka makasali na ang Pilipinas [Men’s] sa World Cup,” he explained.
Alex Eala Effect
Back in late January, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) held its inaugural Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila. Eala was one of the participants in the tournament, drawing huge crowds as fans flocked to support her.
The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate then made history in June and July. The 21-year-old Filipina won her second WTA title at the WTA 125 Lexus Birmingham Open, and the following month, she enjoyed an impressive run at Wimbledon, reaching the fourth round before exiting the tournament. Eala is the only Filipina to have accomplished these achievements.
Making Strides in Football
As for the PWNFT, they clinched the gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, marking the first-ever SEA Games football gold medal won by either the Philippine men’s or women’s national team. The women’s team also secured a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup by defeating Uzbekistan last March at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, allowing them to qualify for the tournament for the second consecutive time. Meanwhile, the Philippine men’s national football team is aiming to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the many issues and challenges facing the country during these difficult times, it is encouraging to see sports other than basketball and volleyball finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
(You can watch the the president’s fifth State of the Nation Address HERE.)
