PSC lauds Marcos for creating National Sports Tourism committee to boost PH sports economy

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The Philippine Sports Commission hailed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approving the creation of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee through Administrative Order No. 38, signed on Oct. 29, 2025, a move expected to strengthen the nation’s push to become a sports tourism leader.

The committee is tasked to harmonize and coordinate all government efforts to develop and sustain sports tourism programs nationwide. It will oversee key plans, promotional initiatives, and long-term strategies aimed at tapping sports as a growth engine across regions.

PSC and DoT officials align on boosting the country’s sports tourism roadmap. [PSC photo]

Leadership structure set to unify government support

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio will chair the NST-IAC, with the Department of Tourism serving as vice-chair. The Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, TIEZA, and PAGCOR complete the committee, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to sports development.

Gregorio called the body an invaluable recognition of sports as a driver of youth empowerment, tourism growth, regional development, and new industry creation. He stressed the PSC’s role as an enabler, working closely with DepEd for grassroots programs and the DoT for sports tourism initiatives.

PH eyes global sports footprint and major event hosting

The initiative builds on the Philippines’ recent hosting successes, including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the FIVB Women’s World Championship. This month, the country welcomes the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup and the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, showcasing the nation’s ambition on the global sports stage.

Gregorio noted that sports represent some of the biggest tourism drivers worldwide, calling the Philippines primed to position itself as a regional hub with support from Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and LGU partners. The measure aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which emphasizes expanding participation in international events to uplift national branding.

The PSC chief also credited the Private Sector Advisory Council-Tourism Sector Group led by Lance Gokongwei, whose recommendations helped shape the strategy toward a sports-centered tourism push.