MANILA, Philippines — Veteran coach **Patrick “Pat” Aquino is no longer the head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s basketball team, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announced, marking the end of his long and influential tenure leading the national women’s program.
Aquino, who had guided the Philippines’ women’s national team through some of its most notable achievements — including historic regional victories and competitive showings on the international stage — is stepping down amid a period of transition for the program.
His time at the helm saw the Gilas Women reach new milestones, such as winning gold at the Southeast Asian Games and securing strong finishes in FIBA Asia competitions. Under his leadership, the squad also made strides in division standings and international recognition, solidifying the Philippines’ status in women’s basketball across the region.
The decision to part ways comes as the team recently wrapped up its campaign in qualifiers for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where the Filipinas faced tough competition from higher‑ranked teams — experiences that underscored the need for fresh direction and renewed strategy moving forward.
The SBP is expected to begin a search for Aquino’s successor, aiming to continue building on the program’s growth and prepare Gilas Women for upcoming regional and international tournaments. Meanwhile, Aquino’s legacy remains as a central figure in the development of Filipino women’s basketball over more than a decade.