Filipina athletes have consistently shattered expectations, broken stereotypes, and delivered victories that have brought immense pride to the nation. This year, the 2nd Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) All Women Sports Awards highlights two of the country’s most exceptional female boxers – Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas – as they take center stage, receiving the prestigious Female Athlete of the Year award.
Established by the PSC, this awards ceremony, set at the Century Park Hotel on March 15, honors the achievements of Filipina athletes who continue to elevate the Philippines’ presence on the international arena, all the while inspiring dedication and excellence.
From the Ring to the Podium
Nesthy Petecio is a name synonymous with excellence in Philippine boxing. After making history with her Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medal, Petecio once again showcased her elite boxing skills at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the women’s featherweight division. Her performance further cemented her legacy as one of the best Filipina boxers of all time.
Aira Villegas, one of the event’s biggest honorees, is another amateur boxer turned boxing sensation who made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in the women’s flyweight division, Villegas delivered an impressive campaign that led to a bronze medal finish, making her one of the country’s fastest-rising boxing stars.
Villegas’ performance in Paris was a testament to her skill, discipline, and hunger for victory. As a relatively new name in the international boxing scene, her success signals a promising future for Philippine boxing, proving that the next generation of Filipina fighters is more than ready to carry the torch forward.
Celebrating Women’s Triumphs in Sports
Women’s month gets better and louder as the 2nd PSC All Women Sports Awards will not only honor Petecio and Villegas but also recognize outstanding female coaches, executives, and sports pioneers who have played a crucial role in advancing women’s sports in the country.
By celebrating the achievements of Filipina athletes, this event highlights the growing recognition of women’s contributions to various sporting fields with Lifetime Achievement Award, Flame Awards, and Posthumous Honors among other prestigious recognitions.
The highly regarded individuals include Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, 77-year-old ultramarathoner Rosalinda Ogsimer among the 141 awardees of citation plaques and commemorative rings as cited by PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann.
For Petecio, Villegas, and the many female athletes being honored, this recognition goes beyond personal triumphs. It is a victory for women in sports, for the curious young girls watching and practicing at home, and for every Filipina athlete striving to make a name on the world stage.
Their success reaffirms that resilience, passion, and perseverance are the very essence of what it means to be a Filipina in sports. They play like girls because they are girls who never back down, never give up, and prove that strength knows no gender.
