Empowered and unstoppable: PLDT and Smart spotlight women athletes

Smart Omega Empress members Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon, Mery Christine “Meraaay” Vivero, and Sheen “Shinoa” Perez share their thoughts as women and athletes this Women's Month.

Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas have left an indelible mark in Philippine sports, transforming how Filipinos view women athletes in this decade. Backed by PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), through the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), these athletes have broken barriers time and again in men-dominated fields.

Through their unwavering support, these companies continue to foster talent and inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes, including Filipina fencer Sam Catantan, 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 champs Smart Omega Empress are gearing up for several local and international tournaments, including several invitationals to battle it out 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."

Backed by MVPSF, the 24-year-old athlete also shared how the organization has given her the opportunity to compete at the highest levels. "Their support goes beyond financial assistance — they serve as a constant source of motivation, pushing me to strive for more. Knowing that there are people who believe in me fuels my determination and inspires me to keep improving every day."

For opposite spiker Erika Santos of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, PLDT has played a vital role in boosting their capabilities. "PLDT has encouraged us to improve and learn from each other, which increased our motivation and confidence to reach our full potential. The camaraderie within the team also strengthened, boosting our morale," she shared.

Meanwhile, Olympic fencer Sam Catantan shared her unique journey in the sport. "Fencing is quite unique in the Philippines, and I was curious about it. The community and the people I met kept me motivated."

Her dedication paid off when she earned a scholarship at the University of the East (UE) and later became a captain at Penn State University. Sam is also a beneficiary of the PLDT and Smart-backed CVIF-Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). "Being a student-athlete taught me time management and discipline," she said. "The DLP at UE helped me balance my studies and training, allowing me to excel in both."

Sam's perseverance led her to qualify for the Paris Olympics, despite facing significant challenges. "Winning the ticket to Paris was a dream come true, not just for me but for the entire Filipino fencing community."

These women are among the Filipino athletes that PLDT, Smart, and the MVPSF support through the many initiatives partnering with the respective programs of the National Sports Associations (NSA) and other relevant organizations. From weightlifting to basketball to boxing to esports and many others, the MVPSF and Pangilinan-led companies have been empowering 20 NSAs, backing hundreds of athletes, and contributing to nation-building through sports development, fueling the Filipino dream of producing another Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

All these initiatives highlight PLDT and Smart's continuing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 5: Gender Equality. It also aligns with PLDT’s broader goal to pursue partnerships and boost opportunities among Filipino communities, leaving no one behind.