The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) welcomed a major development in its efforts to secure the eligibility of Filipina heritage standouts Emma Tovar, Nya Harrison and Kaela Hansen for the Philippine women’s national football team. The nationality applications of the three players were recently tackled by the Committee on Youth and Sports Development of the House of Representatives chaired by Isabela Congressman Mike Dy III.

The proceedings marked another significant step in the PFF’s long-running push to strengthen the Filipinas program ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup cycle. The eligibility process now advances through House Bills 9067, 9068 and 9071 authored by Dy and Manila Congressman Joel Chua alongside Senate Bills 1678 to 1680 filed earlier by Senator Pia Cayetano.

Filipinas pool gains boost

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez personally accompanied the three players during the committee proceedings, highlighting the federation’s commitment to expanding the national team pool while helping the athletes reconnect with their Filipino heritage. The PFF believes the addition of internationally experienced players will significantly improve the team’s competitiveness in future FIFA competitions.

“These players will not only add depth and quality to our national team pool,” Gutierrez said in a statement submitted to the House committee. He also emphasized that Filipino identity extends beyond geographical borders and continues through generations of families maintaining ties to the Philippines.

Gutierrez further stressed that the players’ desire to represent the country goes beyond professional ambition or sporting opportunity. According to him, their connection to the Philippines is deeply rooted in ancestry, culture, family and personal identity.

“Their connection to the Philippines is therefore not merely professional or sporting. It is personal. It is rooted in family, ancestry, identity, and a sincere desire to represent the country of their heritage,” Gutierrez added. The PFF remains optimistic that the completion of the nationality process will further strengthen the Filipinas roster in the coming years.

Torcaso welcomes progress

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso also welcomed the latest development as the national team continues its preparations for upcoming international tournaments. The Australian tactician is currently organizing talent identification camps for the senior and U20 squads in San Diego, California later this month.

“It’s really exciting to see that these players have stayed patient and positive about the honor of representing the Philippines,” Torcaso said. He added that the support shown by Congress and PFF officials has been encouraging for the players as they continue the passport and eligibility process.

Torcaso also stressed the importance of adding more international-level talent to the Filipinas pool ahead of future competitions. The national team is expected to continue building depth as it prepares for another challenging FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification cycle.

Players embrace Filipino roots

Tovar, a defensive midfielder currently playing for Australian club Perth Glory on loan from Valencia CF Femenino, has already spent time with the Filipinas player pool since last year. She is widely recognized for her composure in possession and tactical intelligence on the pitch.

“For me, football is the biggest way I can embrace my Filipino identity,” Tovar told pff.org.ph. She added that family traditions, music, dance, food and fashion have also helped her maintain a strong connection to Filipino culture while living abroad.

Meanwhile, Harrison previously represented the United States at the U18 level before building her career with NCAA Division I powerhouse Stanford Cardinal and professional club San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. She expressed excitement over the possibility of officially representing the Philippines internationally.

“Straightforward, I’m very excited,” Harrison shared. She added that the opportunity to wear the Filipinas jersey is something the players have patiently waited for over a long period of time.

Harrison also encouraged young Filipina footballers to continue pursuing their dreams despite challenges along the way. According to her, determination and love for the sport can help aspiring athletes reach their goals.

“If you have a dream, you can reach it and accomplish it,” Harrison said. “Your goals are achievable, and any dream you have, you can reach it,” she added.

Hansen, a former Canada U17 women’s national team player who currently competes for AFC Toronto, also emphasized the importance of embracing Filipino culture and traditions. She credited her mother and extended family for helping her stay connected to her Filipino roots throughout her football journey.

“I do it through the sport I play, and also through the traditions, culture, and food that my mom and my titos and titas passed down to me,” Hansen said. She added that she hopes more young athletes with Filipino heritage will proudly embrace their identity and pursue their dreams.