The Philippines’ hosting of the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup was more than a showcase of nation’s capacity to stage a world-class sporting event. It revealed the heart of the Filipino spirit: shared pride, collective energy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting women’s sports from the grassroots to the global stage.
And for the successful staging of the event, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) honored the remarkable individuals whose dedication, passion, and teamwork transformed this historic inaugural event into a triumph not only for the Philippines, but for women’s futsal worldwide.
PFF also expressed its deepest gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos for government’s invaluable support through the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the dedicated PSC staff, government personnel, committed and auxiliary personnel in ensuring the successful staging of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025.
“We commend and congratulate the 500 strong unsung heroes who made the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 a success,” said PFF President John Gutierrez. “With you, we showed the world that Filipinos can host a truly world-class sporting event.”
PFF is also grateful for the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee led by President Abraham Tolentino, FIFA Council Member Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Jr. whose support boosted confidence for the hosting of the inaugural event.
PFF General Secretary Gelix Mercader, who oversaw the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), extended profound thanks to around 300 volunteers, 150 LOC staff, and 100 auxiliary personnel whose commitment and warmth powered the tournament’s success. “Kayo po ang mga tunay na bayani ng World Cup na ito. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon, sipag at tibay,” he said.
Having seen the impact and potential of futsal’s growth through this world-class event, PSC is studying the designation of the PhilSports Arena as a permanent futsal venue. As the sole competition hall of FFWWC25, it was transformed into a world-class pitch. It is a “chance to build something big and lasting.”
The PSC-led Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) ensured that all government-related requirements of the tournament were met. This strong inter-agency cooperation helped create an environment of bayanihan between and among government agencies, PSC and the Local Organizing Committee. Among the government agencies in the IATF were DILG, DOT , DFA, DOF, DBM, DOH, DICT , DPWH, DOTr, PNP , BOI, MMDA, NICA, NBI, IPOPh, PCO.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) was overseen by PFF’s top management, with Gutierrez as Chair and Mercader as CEO. They were supported by the PFF Executive Committee with Female–at-Large Member Isabella Fernando as Government Relations Head, and PFF First Vice President Lawrence Fortun in the FFWWC2025 Preparations Committee. PFF Deputy General Secretary Kevin Goco also served in the oversight committee while UAAP Football Commissioner Rely San Agustin was Tournament Director in the preparatory stage of the event.
A total of 155 dedicated individuals formed the core LOC, enduring months of intense preparation and the relentless pace of match days. Hosting FFWWC25 demanded not only operational excellence, but also disciplined data management, careful documentation for knowledge transfer, and responsible stewardship of public funds, each embraced with professionalism and care.
