1Pacman first nominee Milka Romero advocates for women in sports

1Pacman first nominee and Capital1 Solar Spikers’ team owner Milka Romero. –ARNEL TACSON/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — 1Pacman first nominee Milka Romero is determined to continue what the party list has started for Philippine sports, pushing her advocacy for women in sports and grassroots development programs.

Romero, the owner of PVL club Capital1 Solar Spikers, decided to run in the 2025 midterm elections as the first nominee of 1Pacman — No.22 on the ballot — to give more opportunity to aspiring Filipino athletes in the sport they play.

“Ako po bilang atleta, na-experience ko ang laban. The pride that you bring to your country, to win for your country. And I want to make that accessible for any dreamer, for any Filipino young or experienced, to be able to have the needs and essentials to grow in their field of sports,” said Romero, a former Ateneo and Philippine women’s national football team player.

“The development of sports is important, not only through access, through proper education, for medical assistance, but as an athlete, you’re able to take pride with your country.

Milka, the daughter of sportsman and Congressman Mikee Romero, seeks to continue the legacy of her father. For the past eight years, 1Pacman has passed 144 bills in Congress including the National Academy of Sports.

“Itutuloy ko po ang laban in order to have athletes have more rights, more benefits, not only in a professional level, but even in the grassroots level. So, ang 1Pacman party list ay para sa sports sa buong Pilipinas,” Romero said. 

“1PacMan’s advocacy is sports. So hindi nakakalayo sa mga ginagawa natin ngayon, which is empowering women in sports, not just in volleyball, but in all sports across the Philippines. So definitely,  yung sports in the Philippines are very important.”

The lawmaker aspirant looks to strengthen women’s empowerment in sports and grassroots development by discovering young athletes from the province.

“Having the opportunity to play for my country as a woman is very empowering. Now that I’m a leader, I would want to give that opportunity for other women to dream also bigger in their field of sports. So, working together with other women leaders is very important. And also men leaders because it gives them equality through sports,” Romero said.

“I think sports is a great equalizer because you’re able to show your skills, not only sa palakasan, but also mindset. So, I think it’s an exciting time for women in sports.”

In fact, The Capital1 Solar Spikers have been going around the provinces to hold clinics and host a tournament for the youth with their star players Iris Tolenada, Leila Cruz, Roma Mae Doromal, Jorelle Singh, and Des Clemente sharing their knowledge.

“Currently, we’re putting up different volleyball and sports clinics across the Philippines in order to give accessibility and the opportunity for different athletes to experience a higher level of playing.  So, from there, we’re able to identify children so that we are able to give scholarships and give them the right tools and accessibility to develop in their field of sports. Mayroon kaming mga leagues, wherein competitively makakabigay ng opportunity for different teams to play with other teams across the Philippines,” she said.

”It’s something that we would want to be sustainable in the long run para kids nowadays are able to develop, not only through education, and be better in sports as well.”

As she tries her luck in the congress, Milka remains committed to handling and developing the Capital1 Solar Spikers with her sister Mandy as they are seeking to ride on the momentum of their breakthrough quarterfinals entry in the Reinforced in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.