 |
| Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with Philippine Sports Commission's top officials led by Chairman Patrick Gregorio (Image Source: Journal News Online/Presidential Communications Office) |
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairman Patrick Gregorio, hailed Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for putting his stamp of approval on the creation of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) through Administrative Order No. 38. The President has mandated the NST-IAC to “harmonize, coordinate, and oversee all government initiatives to develop, promote, and sustain sports tourism in the country”.
Under Administrative Order No. 38, which was signed by the President last October 29, 2025, the NST-IAC iscreated to oversee the “development, promotion, and implementation of sports tourism initiatives” with PSC to serve as chairperson, the Department of Tourism (DoT) as vice-chairperson, and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as members. Gregorio cited the NST-IAC as “an invaluable recognition of how sports can enable the youth, enable regional development, enable tourism and enable new industries”. He emphasized, “We understand our role. We are enablers. Whether it’s working with DepEd for grassroots development or with the DoT for sports tourism, sports will be a key catalyst and driver of the national agenda.” Gregorio said the President, an avid sportsman and the biggest supporter of the Filipino athlete, has recognized the hosting of major international sports events as a perfect avenue to promote the country before a global audience. Citing the full support and cooperation from Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, he added, “The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events. Sports is a multibillion industry and the Philippines can absolutely position itself as a sports hub in the Southeast Asian region. This is best done in close partnership with the DoT and LGUs that will be hosting these events.”
The creation of the NST-IAC comes on the heels of the country’s successful hosting of the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Championship in 2023 and recently the FIVB Women’s World Volleyball Championship. The country will also host the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, both set to take place throughout November. The NST-IAC is designed to “strengthen the Philippines’ position as a premier international sports destination, but also (to) generate employment, attract investments, stimulate local economies, and contribute to infrastructure and tourism development.” The creation of the NST-IAC is also in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which “highlights the need to expand the country’s participation in major international events and investment missions to strengthen positive global perceptions of the Philippines.” Gregorio, who was appointed by President Marcos as PSC chairman last July, said the sports-funding agency recognizes sports tourism as a “key driver of economic growth, cultural exchange and international recognition”. Also in the fold is the Private Sector Advisory Council-Tourism Sector Group (PSAC-TSG) headed by Lance Gokongwei. During a meeting with the President at Malacanang last September 30, the PSAC-TSG recommended adopting a tourism marketing strategy anchored on sports.
