PH Crowned Champions as FIBA U18 Women’s SEABA Qualifiers

Leave lasting legacy of triumph, development, inspiration in Bacolod

The curtains officially closed on a memorable week of elite competition, learning, and grassroots development as the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Bacolod 2026 concluded on June 6, 2026, Saturday at STI West Negros University Gymnasium in Bacolod City.

After five days of intense competition among Southeast Asia’s rising basketball stars, the Philippines emerged as tournament champions, capturing the gold medal and earning qualification to the next stage of the continental competition. Indonesia secured the silver medal, while Singapore claimed the bronze medal following a convincing victory over Thailand in the battle for third place.

The host nation delivered a dominant performance in the championship game, defeating Indonesia, 88 – 62, before an energized home crowd. Leading the way was Rhiane Meschelle Perez, who was named Player of the Game after posting an outstanding stat line of 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, while shooting an efficient 7-of-9 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line.

Perez’s exceptional tournament performance also earned her the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, cementing her status as one of the brightest young talents in Southeast Asian basketball.

In the bronze medal match, Singapore defeated Thailand, 66 – 40, behind the all-around brilliance of Angel Emily Alessa, who finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 steals, and 2 blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.

The tournament’s final standings were:

• Champion: Philippines – Gold Medal

• 2nd Place: Indonesia – Silver Medal

• 3rd Place: Singapore – Bronze Medal

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Kanyaphat Hookee was honored with the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award, recognizing her exemplary conduct, respect for the game, and embodiment of basketball’s core values throughout the competition.

While the tournament showcased the region’s best young athletes, its impact extended far beyond the final scores.

In line with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ commitment to grassroots and basketball development, a series of educational and developmental programs were conducted throughout the tournament week, ensuring that the benefits of hosting an international event reached coaches, officials, and aspiring athletes across the region.

Leading these initiatives was the Free Coaching Clinic held on June 2 – 3 at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Covered Court, featuring veteran mentor and PBA NLEX Road Warriors Head Coach Joseph Enrique “Jong” Uichico.

Widely regarded as one of Philippine basketball’s most accomplished coaches, Coach Jong devoted two full days to sharing modern coaching principles, practical teaching methods, and game strategies with local coaches from across the Negros Island Region.

Throughout the clinic, Coach Jong generously imparted his wealth of knowledge, tactical expertise, and decades of championship experience, helping local coaches elevate their understanding of the game and strengthen their ability to develop young athletes.

The initiative reflected SBP’s belief that basketball development begins with those who teach the game.

This level of developmental learning was made possible through the continued efforts of SBP Executive Director Erika Caitlin T. Dy, whose commitment to bringing elite educational opportunities to the regions continues to strengthen basketball communities throughout the country.

Beyond helping make the coaching clinic possible, Dy delivered an inspiring presentation outlining the federation’s mission, goals, and long-term vision for Philippine basketball. Participants were particularly engaged by her discussion on one of coaching’s most important challenges — finding the balance between player development and winning.

Adding further value to the program, Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women’s Head Coach Alexander “Sandy” Arespacochaga shared insights on building a winning basketball culture, emphasizing the dedication, discipline, and teamwork required for sustained success. Veteran coach Bacon Austria also attended the clinic and lent his support, providing participants with additional high-level learning opportunities.

Recognizing that basketball excellence is built not only by players and coaches but also by the people who ensure the integrity and smooth conduct of every game, SBP likewise conducted specialized clinics for table officials, referees, and statisticians from June 2 – 4 at STI West Negros University.

The technical development sessions provided participants with updated knowledge, procedures, and standards aligned with international basketball practices, helping strengthen the region’s pool of competent game officials and support personnel.

The developmental activities culminated in a heartwarming and inspiring Girls’ Kids Clinic held on June 5 at the MICES Gym.

Thirty young girls were given a rare opportunity to learn directly from members of the Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women’s Team, led by Head Coach Sandy Arespacochaga.

Through warm-up exercises, shooting drills, and scrimmages, participants experienced firsthand what it means to train alongside athletes proudly representing the Philippines on the international stage.

Beyond teaching basketball skills, the clinic sought to encourage more young girls to embrace the sport, build confidence, pursue their dreams, and recognize the opportunities that basketball can provide.

Following the tournament’s closing and awarding ceremonies, Dy emphasized that the developmental efforts initiated during the tournament week are only the beginning.

In an interview, Dy highlighted that basketball development programs in Bacolod and across the region will continue under the leadership of SBP Zone 7 Director Tony Agustin. She noted that the week was never solely about hosting an international competition, pointing out that SBP simultaneously conducted technical workshops for referees, coaching clinics, and outreach activities involving the Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women’s Team.

According to Dy, player development, coaching development, and technical development remain central pillars of SBP’s long-term commitment to growing the game in Bacolod and throughout the region.

Meanwhile, Agustin reflected on the broader significance of the event during his closing remarks.

Agustin emphasized that while champions were crowned and medals awarded, the true achievement of the tournament extended far beyond the final standings. He celebrated every athlete who competed, every coach who guided, every volunteer who served, every sponsor who believed in the event, and every supporter who filled the venue with pride and energy.

He stressed that the success of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers tournament could not be measured solely through wins and losses, but through the friendships formed, lessons learned, memories created, and inspiration passed on to future generations of athletes.

As Bacolod City bid farewell to Southeast Asia’s brightest young basketball talents, the tournament leaves behind more than championship memories — it leaves a lasting legacy of development, opportunity, and hope for the future of Philippine basketball.

Through competition, education, and community engagement, the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers Bacolod 2026 proved that basketball is not only about building better players, but also about building stronger communities and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.* (SBP Zone 7)