President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday gave a rousing salute to the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team for its flawless 6–0 sweep and gold medal finish at the Under-16 SEABA Qualifiers, which he said is clear proof of young Filipinos’ unmatched talent and drive.

In a post on X after the team victory, President Marcos congratulated the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team, led by veteran LA Tenorio as Gilas Youth head coach.

“Isang malaking saludo sa Gilas Pilipinas Youth!,” the President posted with an icon of a ball and a Philippine flag.

“Congratulations on your dominant 6–0 run and the gold medal at the U-16 SEABA Qualifiers. Isang malinaw na patunay na ang galing at determinasyon ng kabataang Pilipino ay walang kapantay,” President Marcos added.

The President vowed the government’s full support for the team for their next competitions.

“Suportado namin kayo sa inyong susunod na laban sa FIBA Asia Cup!” President Marcos added, with icons of hands clapping and a trophy.

The Philippines, along with Indonesia and Malaysia, will represent Southeast Asia in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia this July.

The Philippines’ youth national basketball team went unbeaten in all six games, capped by a commanding 70-40 win against Indonesia at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga, on Friday night to clinch the championship. | PND