Senator Bong Go filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 398 commending and congratulating the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team for winning the silver medal in the 2026 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 Asia Cup, marking the country’s best finish and first-ever podium placement in the women’s tournament.
In the resolution, Go recognized the team’s historic achievement in the tournament held in Singapore from April 1 to 5, 2026, where the Filipina cagers delivered a breakthrough performance for Philippine basketball on the continental stage.
“Ang kanilang tagumpay ay patunay na kayang-kaya ng atletang Pilipino na makipagsabayan sa pinakamahuhusay sa Asya.”
“Ipinagmamalaki natin ang Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team sa kanilang ipinakitang tapang, disiplina, at puso para sa bayan. Ang kanilang tagumpay ay patunay na kayang-kaya ng atletang Pilipino na makipagsabayan sa pinakamahuhusay sa Asya,” the veteran legislator said.
The resolution noted that the Philippines secured its best finish in the history of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup after improving on its fourth-place finish in 2025. It also emphasized that the silver-medal run signaled the steady rise of Philippine women’s basketball in the region.
Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, including a 15-12 quarterfinal victory over Mongolia and a thrilling 21-19 semifinal win over Japan, allowing the country to reach the championship round for the first time.
The Philippines eventually faced powerhouse Australia in the final, where the team yielded 18-9 but still secured a historic silver-medal finish that now stands as a milestone for Philippine basketball.
“Sa bawat laban, ipinakita nila na ang atletang Pilipino ay may galing, tiyaga, at malasakit sa bandila.”
“Sa bawat laban, ipinakita nila na ang atletang Pilipino ay may galing, tiyaga, at malasakit sa bandila. Panalo ito para sa basketball, sa kabataang Pilipino, sa mga kababaihan sa sports, at sa buong bansa,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The chair of the Senate Committee on Sports said the achievement highlights the need to continue investing in grassroots sports development, athlete support, and stronger programs for women in sports.
He stressed that government support for athletes must include recognition, training, facilities, nutrition, coaching, international exposure, and welfare support so Filipino athletes can prepare properly and compete consistently.
“Dapat tuluy-tuloy ang suporta sa ating mga atleta. Kailangan nating siguraduhin na may sapat silang paghahanda, kagamitan, training, at suporta mula grassroots hanggang national team,” Go said.
The resolution cited Article XIV, Section 19 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence.
He said the success of Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team should inspire more young Filipinos, especially girls, to pursue sports and believe that they have a place in competitive athletics.
“Sa mga kabataang nangangarap maging atleta, lalo na sa ating mga batang babae, inspirasyon ang tagumpay na ito. Ipinakita ng Gilas Women na walang imposible kapag may tiyaga, sakripisyo, teamwork, at pagmamahal sa bayan,” Go pointed out.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, he has consistently pushed for stronger sports development programs, improved athlete welfare, and wider access to sports opportunities, particularly for young Filipinos in the provinces.
Go said the silver-medal finish of Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team proves that sustained support for sports can produce results that bring pride to the country and create new role models for the next generation.
“Congratulations sa Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team. Maraming salamat sa karangalang ibinigay ninyo sa Pilipinas. Patuloy naming susuportahan ang mga atletang Pilipino dahil ang tagumpay ninyo ay tagumpay ng buong sambayanang Pilipino,” he concluded.
