1-Pacman first nominee and Capital1 Solar Spikers’ team owner Milka Romero. –ARNEL TACSON/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—In line with her advocacy to promote women in sports and enrich grassroots development programs, 1-Pacman party list first nominee Milka Romero, a former player herself, also wants to support the growth of football in the country.
“As a football player na rin dati, nasa goals mo rin na mag-help din sa Philippine football natin,” said Romero, who played for the Philippine women’s football team and Ateneo, and is also the owner of the Capital1 team in the PVL.
READ: 1-Pacman first nominee Milka Romero advocates for women in sports
“Lalo na lumalaki yung sport nung Filipinas sa World Cup. So, for 1-Pacman, we are trying to be the voice not just for selected sports but all sports in general.”
“I would want to see our footballers shine and excel internationally and also here in the Philippines. So, I’m very excited for more programs to support football and other sports across the nation,” she added.
In 2023, the country witnessed its very own women’s national team make a historic debut in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, where the Filipinas even got their first win.
The year after, Philippine sports celebrated its greatest year yet when Carlos Yulo made history in the 2024 Paris Olympics while the national football teams sustained their momentum on the international stage.
READ: 1-Pacman nominee Milka Romero, sister Mandy nurturing rise of Capital1
“It was a very proud moment to see, actually, my teammates play for the FIFA World Cup,” Romero said.
“And I hope there’s many more moments like that. Because I think with sports, this is something that binds our nation. When there’s a big game like the Olympics or the SEA Games or all other international sports, tumitigil lahat.”
If she needs to play to promote the sport, Romero said she would love to lead by example to younger football players.
“For me, part of my lifestyle is to play the sport that you love. Again, nakakaenganyo yun. Hindi lang physically, pero also sa mental health natin,” Romero said.
“Talagang iba talaga yung feeling bilang atleta. The discipline and the dedication of being part of a team. And of course, yung feeling na manalo. Now, I’m semi-retired. Pero minsan, nandoon pa rin yung feeling of being a player.”
“I think across all ages, it’s very important for us to still go back [to the sports we play] no matter what your age is pwede ka pa rin maging fit physically and mentally,” she added.