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| (Image Source: PhilStar.com/Smart Communications) |
Philippine business tycoon and PLDT-Smart Communications chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan's monicker as MVP was made more accurate during the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held last December 10, 2020 at the Clark Freeport in Mabalacat, Pampanga after being recognized for his immense contributions to the country's sports tourism sector as the private sector's Sports Tourism Personality of the Year for 2019.
After serving as the first president of the Samahang Basketball Ng Pilipinas (SBP), MVP went on to form, found and establish the MVP Sports Foundation which provided a good cross section of sports with the proper funding and training to produce world-class athletes. Under his leadership, PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications were also able to deploy fixed and wireless networks in New Clark City as part of preparations for the Philippines' hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Aside from rolling out fiber infrastructure and cell sites, Smart has also augmented its capacity and coverage in key areas around the NCC in anticipation of the heavy influx of crowds throughout the competition. PLDT and Smart were also the official telecom partners of the 2019 SEA Games.
While the absence of sports activities this year due to the restrictions and safety guidelines imposed brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic left a dent in the sports tourism sector, various international sporting events slated to be held in the country are already planned and laid out for the near future with the goal of reigniting the spirit of sports and ramping up tourism. Among them is the highly anticipated 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup where the Philippines, through MVP's initiatives, will be hosting the international competition alongside Japan and Indonesia. And following the successful stint of Gilas Pilipinas in Bahrain last November, FIBA recently announced that Clark in the Philippines will be one of the host cities for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers aside from Doha in Qatar, Tokyo in Japan, and Manama in Bahrain.
In his acceptance speech presented by SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios, MVP reflected the mission of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards in upholding sports as a major pillar in Philippine tourism. "The unquantifiable benefits alone make strong case for investing in sports. But today, we are recognizing a more direct and tangible benefit - how sports could encourage tourism and how it might eventually serve as a catalyst for economies, both local and national," said Pangilinan. "This award is not a culmination of the work we've rendered, but a mandate to push the envelope. Sports remains a high-potential investment in our country, and I consider it an honor to be able to continue supporting its development. We can improve our sporting landscape for the benefit of our athletes and, ultimately, for that of the greater Philippine nation."
The 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards is presented by Clark Development Corporation and Selrahco Management in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Philippine Sports Commission and supported by Smart Communications, Coca Cola Beverages Philippines, Universal Robina Corporation and the City of Mabalacat, Pampanga. Aside from MVP, here is the full list of winners in this year's PSTA.
* News Coverage Of The Year - People's Television Network (PTV)
* Sports Venue Of The Year - New Clark City
* Sports Organizer Of The Year (government) - Dumaguete City
* Sports Organizer Of The Year (private) - Sunrise Events Inc.
* Adventure Event Of The Year - Tour De Cebu
* Airline Of The Year - Philippine Airlines
* Charity Event Of The Year - Resorts World Manila
* Event Sponsorship Of The Year - Coca Cola Beverages Philippines
* Hotel Of The Year - The Mansion Boutique Hotel and Villas
* Destination Marketing Of The Year - Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)
* Sports Association Of The Year - Triathlon Association of the Philippines
* Event Of The Year (domestic) - TINMAN Ilocos Norte
* Event Of The Year (international) - IRONMAN 70.3
* Sports Tourism Personality Of The Year (government) - Mayor Felipe Remollo
* Sports Tourism Destination Of The Year - Clark Freeport Zone
