(L-R) Major General Khiev Sameth, President AFF; Rosnani Azman, Team Singapore Captain; Olivia McDaniel, Team Philippines Goalkeeper; Nipawan Panyosuk, Team Thailand Captain; Reva Oktaviani, Team Indonesia Mid-Fielder; Mr. Clemens Philippi, CEO, MSIG. Handout/SPORTFIVE

MANILA -- The Philippine women's national football team is "working very hard" to defend its crown in the ASEAN Women's Championship, an official of the national sports association said Tuesday.

The Filipinas made history in 2022 when they lifted the trophy on home soil by beating powerhouse Thailand, 3-0, in the final. Along the way, they dethroned erstwhile defending champion, 4-0, in the semifinals.

"The [team] is working very hard to defend our title, continue to bring honor to our country and raise the status of women in the game," said PFF national teams director and manager, Freddy Gonzalez.

READ: Banking on previous successes, Filipinas gear up for a busy 2025

The profile of the competition is expected to elevate after the ASEAN Football Federation on Tuesday signed a landmark agreement with MSIG.

MSIG, a leading insurance brand in Asia, is now the title sponsor of the competition which will now be called the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup.

The partnership was formally announced on Tuesday in Singapore, along with the unveiling of a new trophy. Present during the event was Filipinas goal-keeper Olivia McDaniel.

"This partnership is both special and significant to BPI MS not only because the Filipinas are the defending ASEAN Women’s World Cup Champions. The story of this Philippine Women’s National Football Team winning against all odds is very much like the story of our Filipino customers, who often find themselves embattled with natural and man-made calamities, challenges that we can help them win with our protection solutions," said Ichiro Iwabuchi, President and CEO, BPI/MS Insurance Corporation.

"Through this partnership, we hope to inspire and reinforce the importance of preparation and protection, ensuring that Filipino dreams can continue to thrive, no matter the obstacles."

Gonzalez, for his part, expressed their delight at the partnership.

"We are also grateful that slowly, Philippine companies, including BPI MS, are beginning to show interest in supporting our national football teams," he added.

The dates and venues for the tournament are expected to be announced soon.

The MSIG Serenity Cup is part of a busy 2025 for the Filipinas, who will also compete in the qualifiers for the Asian Cup and the Southeast Asian Games.