𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝐺𝑙𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙:

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing Administrative Order No. 38, creating the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) — a unified government body tasked to develop, promote, and sustain sports tourism across the country.

Under the order signed on October 29, 2025, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio will head the NST-IAC, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as vice chair and the DILG, DBM, TIEZA, and PAGCOR as members.

Gregorio described the creation of the NST-IAC as “an invaluable recognition of how sports can enable the youth, drive regional development, promote tourism, and open new industries.” He added, “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 of the national agenda.”

President Marcos, known for his strong support of Filipino athletes, sees international sports events as powerful platforms to showcase the country to the world. “The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events,” Gregorio noted. “Sports is a multibillion industry, and the Philippines can absolutely position itself as a sports hub in Southeast Asia—with full support from Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and our LGU partners.”

The move follows the country’s successful hosting of major global tournaments such as the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup and the FIVB Women’s World Volleyball Championship, with more high-profile events coming up—including the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships this month.

According to the order, the NST-IAC aims to strengthen the Philippines’ standing as a premier sports destination, while generating employment, attracting investments, boosting local economies, and supporting tourism infrastructure. It aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which underscores the importance of participating in global events to enhance the nation’s international image.

Gregorio emphasized that sports tourism is a “key driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and global recognition.” The initiative also gains momentum from the Private Sector Advisory Council–Tourism Sector Group (PSAC–TSG), led by Lance Gokongwei, which earlier recommended a sports-based tourism marketing strategy during a meeting with the President at Malacañang last September.