Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas have profoundly influenced Philippine sports, reshaping perceptions of women athletes in this decade. Supported by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. via the MVP Sports Foundation, these athletes have consistently broken barriers in male-dominated arenas. Their steadfast backing allows these companies to nurture talent and motivate future Filipino athletes, such as fencer Sam Catantan, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, champion golfer Sam Bruce, and the Smart Omega Empress.


With their recent stint in China for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), world champions Smart Omega Empress are gearing up for several local and international tournaments, including invitationals to compete against men’s teams.

“Nag-iba po yung mindset namin ngayon, knowing na yung esports industry being male-dominated, parang inisip po namin na kaya po namin makipagsabayan sa mga lalaki and mas higitan pa po namin yung kakayahan nila, kaya po namin ma-break yung barriers,” shared team captain Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero.
She also highlighted the role of Smart in their development as esports athletes. “Smart continues to empower us by giving us exposure and opportunities to showcase our skills. They were the first to franchise an all-female team in MLBB, and their support has been instrumental in our growth.”

Another champion athlete — golfer Sam Bruce, who recently clinched her first professional title at the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship — shared what she thinks is the most rewarding thing about being an athlete and a woman.

“Being a woman in sports allows me to break barriers and challenge long-standing stereotypes, redefining what strength, resilience, and determination truly mean. I strive to show that skill, dedication, and passion have no gender — that excellence in sports is defined by hard work and perseverance, not by labels.”


Supported by MVPSF, the 24-year-old athlete revealed how the organization has enabled her to compete at elite levels. “Their support extends beyond financial aid — they consistently motivate me to aim higher. Their belief in me fuels my resolve and inspires my daily improvement." 

For Erika Santos, an opposite spiker with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, PLDT has enhanced their skills. “PLDT has motivated us to grow and learn from one another, which has boosted our confidence and drive to reach our full potential. The team's camaraderie has also improved, uplifting our spirits," she noted. 

Olympic fencer Sam Catantan shared her distinct path in the sport. “Fencing is quite distinct in the Philippines, and my curiosity drew me to it. The community and the connections I formed kept me inspired."

Sam’s hard work resulted in a scholarship at the University of the East (UE), and she later served as captain at Penn State University. She is also part of the PLDT and Smart-supported CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). “Being a student-athlete has taught me time management and discipline,” she remarked. “The DLP at UE allowed me to balance my studies and training, leading to success in both.”
Her determination led her to qualify for the Paris Olympics, overcoming significant obstacles. "Earning my ticket to Paris was a dream realized for me and the entire Filipino fencing community.”

These athletes are among those supported by PLDT, Smart, and MVPSF through various initiatives in partnership with the National Sports Associations (NSA) and other key organizations. Covering disciplines from weightlifting to basketball to boxing and esports, MVPSF and the Pangilinan-led companies have empowered 20 NSAs, supported hundreds of athletes, contributed to national development through sports, and fueled the Filipino aspiration to win another Olympic gold medal.

These efforts underscore PLDT and Smart's ongoing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 5: Gender Equality. They also align with PLDT’s broader mission to forge partnerships and create opportunities for Filipino communities, ensuring no one is left behind.