Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has reaffirmed the government's continued support for Philippine sports as he met with the Philippine Women's Football National Team following its historic Southeast Asian (SEA) Games campaign. Recto on Wednesday congratulated the team for clinching the country's first-ever SEA Games gold medal in women's football in 2025 and reaffirmed the government's continued support for Philippine sports, the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) said in a social media post Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, during the meeting, the team expressed gratitude for the strong backing it has received from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly in preparations for international competitions. Recto stated that the administration will continue to support Filipino athletes through clear policies, sustained funding, and programs aimed at strengthening talent development and enhancing international competitiveness. The OES noted that earlier in January, Recto also met with officials of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Sports Commission to fast-track the upgrading of sports facilities and expand athlete development initiatives nationwide. These efforts, the OES said, are aligned with President Marcos' directive to make sports a stronger national priority and a key pillar of youth and nation-building.