SONA 2026: Marcos lauds Alex Eala, Filipinas football team, says support for PH sports up

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that the government has tripled its support for Philippine sports as he delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Marcos lauded Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, who climbed to a career-high world No. 28 after a historic Wimbledon campaign earlier this month, stressing that the government invests in sports not only for entertainment but also because of their importance in developing a healthy and active youth.

Marcos also gave special mention to the Filipinas, the country's women's national football team, as he expressed hopes of increased interest in the sport.

This comes ahead of the team's campaign in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The Filipinas also competed in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, where they finished with one win in three games in the group stage.

"Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis kundi ng iba pang sport," Marcos said.

(With the overflowing support for Alex Eala, I hope it encourages many to learn and play, not only tennis but other sports, too.)

"Sa halimbawa ng Filipinas women’s football team, sana rin ay mas sumikat pa ang football sa ating bansa at marami ang maglaro. Balang-araw, baka makasali na ang Pilipinas sa World Cup."

(In the example of the Filipinas women's football team, I hope football continues to become more popular in the country and that many will play. Someday, maybe the Philippines can also play in the World Cup.)

According to the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2025 posted on Department of Budget and Management's website, the government had allotted P1,275,155,000 for the Philippines Sports Commission in 2025 that covered amateur sports development program and other projects.

In 2026, the government increased its financial support to PSC up to P2,206,808,000.

"Mahalaga rin sa atin ang sports. Itinaas natin nang triple ang suporta natin dito. Hindi lamang dahil sa aliw na hatid nito, kundi para sa kalusugan," Marcos added.

(Sports is also very important to us. We have increased by triple the support for this. Not only because of the entertainment it brings us, but also for health purposes.)

During the recent Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Marcos also awarded first-ever cash incentives to medalists in both the regular and Para Games competitions.

The incentives were given on top of the cash rewards traditionally provided by the Department of Education and the athletes' respective local government units.

—JMB, GMA News