Pasay city: The Philippine women's football team, also known as the Filipinas, will be honored as Athletes of the Year for 2025 in the 3rd Women in Sports Awards at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday. Swimmer Angel Mae Otom will be recognized as Para Athlete of the Year, while trackster Brenda Ramos Zinampan will receive the Masters award.

According to Philippines News Agency, the event, which honored tennis superstar Alex Eala in 2024 and two-time Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio in 2025, showcases successful Filipina athletes as role models and also highlights the contributions of women sports leaders in the country. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo stated that the star-studded program, which will hand out 83 awards, aims to reinforce national efforts toward inclusive sports development and gender equality.

'We must really give special attention to our women athletes, including our Para athletes. And not just the athletes and their coaches but those who help build and promote women sports,' the bowling legend said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC Media Room on Tuesday. Coo mentioned that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has been invited to present the major awards and receive the distinguished 'Ina ng Atletang Pinoy' award.

Other special guests include Senators Vicente Sotto III, Bong Go, and Risa Hontiveros, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and commissioners Edward Hayco, Fritz Gaston, and Walter Torres. 'These awards are for those who provide inspiration for all women in sports,' said Coo, who was inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (2018) and the World Bowling Hall of Fame. Coo is the most decorated Filipino athlete, winning a total of 78 medals (37 golds), four world championships, and 137 titles.

The awards ceremony is organized by the PSC in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women.