NESTHY Petecio and Aira Villegas were named Athletes of the Year in the All-Women Sports Awards 2025 organized by the Philippine Sports Commission through commissioner Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo.
Petecio and Villegas won the award following their bronze medal finish in the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. Petecio personally received the plum while national team boxer Risa Pasuit represented Villegas in the ceremony held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.
READ: Villegas, Petecio proud to champion women in the world of boxing
Petecio and Villegas were part of the 141 Filipina athletes, coaches, and sports leaders honored during the awards ceremony that was held in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women.
Also honored is the recently-retired jiu-jitsu athlete Meggie Ochoa, who took the Lifetime Achievement Award for her achievements that included an Asian Games gold medalist.
“This Awards Night is more than just a celebration, it’s a tribute to the progress we’ve made in women’s sports,” said Coo. “We want to honor not only our athletes but also the coaches, sports executives, and individuals behind the scenes who work tirelessly to advance gender equality in sports.”
“Commissioner Bong Coo’s initiative is truly inspiring because it promotes inclusivity,” said pole vaulter master athlete Judith Staples, part of the selection committee that determined the award winners. This event acknowledges athletes across all categories—elite, para-athletes, Special Olympics participants, and even masters athletes like myself.”
In her speech, Petecio urged Filipino athletes to continue to become an inspiration to others.
“I have faced struggles inside and outside the ring, pero hindi ako sumuko. Every punch, every fall, every doubt only made me stronger. Kaya gusto kong ipaalala sa inyo. You are capable, you are powerful, you are powerful, you are unstoppable. Huwag hayaang pigilan ka ng takot ng ibang tao. Babae ka, hindi babae ka lang,” said Petecio.
The 2025 All-Women Sports Awards was co-presented by Cynergy Artworks, OMG Memories, Katinko Sports Spray, Milo, Lacoste (Wrist Pod), Cel Logistics, Mad Events, Biore, Jergens, Namkwang Seaweed, Hot Dak Stir Fry Ramen, Sultana Biscuits, Bowling 300, and The Bowler (Grace and Abundance).
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
