Cebuana Athletes to Be Celebrated at 3rd Women in Sports Awards
Four standout Cebuana athletes are poised to receive major accolades at the 3rd Women in Sports Awards, scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. This prestigious event honors Filipina athletes as role models and acknowledges women who contribute to the leadership and growth of sports across the nation.
Leading the Honorees: Elreen Ann Ando and Fellow Cebuanas
Elreen Ann Ando, a two-time Olympic weightlifter, headlines the list of Cebuana awardees. Recently crowned Athlete of the Year at the 40th SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards, Ando secured a gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games and a bronze at the IWF World Championships, showcasing her exceptional talent on the international stage.
Joining her are other notable Cebuana athletes:
- Cherry Ann "Sisi" Rondina, a Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball gold medalist from Compostela, Cebu, who triumphed alongside partner Bernadeth Pons.
- Shagne Paula Yaoyao, an Asian mountain bike champion who also excels in road cycling and recently won the 2026 Philippine National Championships—Women’s Elite Cross-Country in Danao City.
- Janah Lavador, a vovinam standout who earned gold at the 2025 Thailand Kickboxing World Cup and three bronze medals at the 2024 Asian Vovinam Championships.
These athletes are among 31 major awardees being recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to sports.
Additional Award Categories and Honorees
The awards ceremony will also highlight other remarkable Filipina athletes. The Philippine women’s football team, known as the Filipinas, will be honored as Athletes of the Year for 2025. Swimmer Angel Mae Otom will receive the Para Athlete of the Year award, while track star Brenda Ramos Zinampan will be acknowledged with the Masters award, underscoring the diversity and inclusivity of the event.
Promoting Gender Equality and Inclusive Sports
Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women, the program will distribute 83 awards in total. Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo, a bowling legend, emphasized the importance of supporting women in sports. "We must give special attention to women athletes, Para athletes, their coaches, and everyone who helps promote women in sports," she stated, highlighting the event’s goal to foster inclusive sports and gender equality.
Distinguished Guests and Ceremony Details
The ceremony will feature notable guests, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who has been invited to present major awards and accept the "Ina ng Atletang Pinoy" honor. Other attendees include Senators Vicente Sotto III, Bong Go, and Risa Hontiveros, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, and PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, adding to the significance of this celebration of women’s achievements in Philippine sports.
