The Philippine women’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas Women, continues its meteoric rise on the international stage. Following a spirited campaign at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, the team has officially jumped nine spots in the latest FIBA World Rankings.

According to the most recent data released by FIBA, the Philippines now occupies the World No. 30 spot, a significant climb from their previous rank of No. 39 in August 2025.

While the team concluded the tournament with a 1–4 record, the quality of their performance resonated far beyond the win-loss column. The highlight of their campaign was a stunning 74–59 upset over World No. 19 Colombia.

The victory was anchored by a powerhouse performance from Kacey Dela Rosa, who dominated the paint with a monster stat line of 25 Points and 18 Rebounds

This "David vs. Goliath" win is being hailed as a milestone for Philippine basketball, proving that the Filipina ballers can compete with and defeat top-tier global talent.

Recognizing Queens of the Court

The ranking surge comes on the heels of further accolades for the squad. Gilas Women were recently honored at the All Women in Sports Awards, recognizing a stellar year that included:

• Gold Medal Finish: A triumphant run at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand.

• FIBA Debut: Their historic first-ever participation in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Despite the limited number of wins in the qualifiers, the leap in rankings signifies that the Philippines is no longer just a regional power but a growing team on the International Basketball Stage.