UST GROWLING Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong was honored as the “Natatanging Manileño sa Larangan ng mga Isport” during the Gawad Manileño 2025 on Friday, June 20, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
The veteran tactician was recognized by the Manila City government for her outstanding contributions to Philippine sports, particularly in advancing women’s basketball.
“More than anything, I’m proud, because this isn’t just my win. This is for every woman who’s ever fought for a place in sports especially in basketball,” Ong said in a social media post.
Appointed as the commissioner of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) in October 2024, Ong has since made it her goal to expand opportunities for female athletes nationwide.
“This award reminds me that the real victory isn’t the trophy, it’s seeing women rise in basketball and watching my players thrive on and off the court. That’s the legacy I’m fighting for,” she said.
“Leave a heartprint in every heartbeat that you encounter,” she added.
Ong played a pivotal role in the inaugural WMPBL tournament, which featured 14 teams from collegiate programs, local government unit-backed squads and commercial ball clubs.
The league is set to launch its first regular season on June 29 after securing professional accreditation from the Games and Amusements Board.
She also steered the UST Growling Tigresses to a historic gold-medal finish in UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball.
The Gawad Manileño is an annual civic recognition led by outgoing Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto. The award honors individuals and institutions, whose contributions have significantly advanced the city’s development, culture and identity. F
