House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday congratulated the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team for winning the gold medal at the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Cup, calling them “disciplined, fearless and deserving champions.”
“This team showed what it means to compete with purpose. They executed with focus, played with composure, and earned every bit of that gold medal,” he said in a statement.
The seasoned legislator credited the leadership of head coach LA Tenorio, who made his international coaching debut in the tournament, for molding the young squad into a cohesive, competitive unit.
“This is how we build a winning culture — through structure, accountability, and hard work,” Romualdez said.
The Philippines swept the tournament held in Indonesia, dominating its Southeast Asian rivals and securing a spot in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
Romualdez acknowledged the support provided by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, noting that sustained investment in player development has begun to show tangible results.
“Wins like this don’t happen by accident. They’re the product of long hours of training, smart coaching, and a strong support system. Gilas Youth delivered, and they deserve the nation’s full recognition,” he said.
The SEABA Cup serves as the regional gateway to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
With this win, the Philippines cemented its place in the continental tournament, where it will face tougher competitions from across Asia.
The Speaker said the House of Representatives will continue to push for stronger sports development programs and better funding for grassroots and elite-level training.
“We’re committed to giving our young athletes the resources they need to succeed. Victories like this prove that Filipino talent can shine with the right support,” he said.
“They’ve raised the bar for what we expect from Philippine basketball. I look forward to seeing them compete at the next level,” he added.
