The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for putting his stamp of approval on the creation of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC).
Through Administrative Order (AO) No. 38, the President mandates the NST-IAC to “harmonize, coordinate, and oversee all government initiatives to develop, promote, and sustain sports tourism in the country.”
The NST-IAC was created to oversee the “development, promotion and implementation of sports tourism initiatives,” according to the AO signed by the President on Oct. 29.
PSC chief Patrick Gregorio will chair the NST-IAC with his counterparts from the Department of Tourism (DOT) as vice chairperson; and representatives of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation as members.
Gregorio cited the NST-IAC as “an invaluable recognition” of how sports can enable the youth, regional development, tourism and new industries.
“We understand our role. We are enablers. Whether it’s working with DepEd (Department of Education) for grassroots development or with the DOT for sports tourism, sports will be a key catalyst and driver of the national agenda,” Gregorio said in a news release on Sunday.
Gregorio said the President is an avid sportsman and the biggest supporter of the Filipino athlete. He has recognized the hosting of major international sports events as a perfect avenue to promote the country before a global audience.
“The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events. Sports is a multi-billion industry and the Philippines can absolutely position itself as a sports hub in the Southeast Asian region,” Gregorio said. “This is best done in close partnership with the DOT and LGUs (local government units) 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 Cup in 2023 and the FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship in September.
This month, the country will also host the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
The NST-IAC is designed not only 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 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 in 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, headed by tycoon Lance Gokongwei.
During a meeting with the President at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Sept. 30, the group recommended adopting a tourism marketing strategy anchored on sports. (PNA)