Marcos congratulates Gilas Youth for winning FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday congratulated the Gilas Pilipinas Youth after ruling the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, defeating Indonesia in the finals, 70-40, in Pampanga.

"Isang malaking saludo sa Gilas Pilipinas Youth," Marcos said in his message in X (formerly Twitter).

(A big salute to the Gilas Pilipinas Youth!)

"Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. Isang malinaw na patunay na ang galing at determinasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ay walang kapantay. Suportado namin kayo sa inyong susunod na laban sa FIBA Asia Cup," Marcos said.

(It is a clear proof that the talent and determination of the Filipino youth is unmatched. We support you in your next match in the FIBA Asia Cup!)

Isang malaking saludo sa Gilas Pilipinas Youth! ????????????

Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. Isang malinaw na patunay na ang galing at determinasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ay walang kapantay. Suportado namin kayo sa inyong susunod…

— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) May 31, 2025

Gilas Pilipinas Youth had outscored Indonesia, 21-5, in the first period before taking a 41-20 lead by halftime.

The team then logged its biggest lead, 59-25, with 1:31 left in the third period after the Philippines made a 6-0 run from consecutive baskets from Andwele Cabañero, Jeremiah Antolin, Jr., and Jhustin Hallare. 

Indonesia still couldn't find the answer in the final frame as the Philippines eventually completed a sweep of the tournament.

Hallare led the U16 squad with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Carl Gabriel de los Reyes had 11 points, 13 boards, and four assists. Ethan Tan-Chi added nine points, while Evaraigne Cruz added seven points.

Aside from winning the gold, the Philippines also secured its spot in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup which will be held in Mongolia this year.

The Philippines will be joined by Indonesia and bronze medalist Malaysia in the Asian tourney.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News