Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio expects the country to benefit greatly from the newly created National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee as it gears up to host the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.

Gregorio said the committee, formed under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Administrative Order No. 38, will align government support and private sector efforts for international sporting events — including the global gymnastics meet set November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

“In bidding for hosting, both private sector represented by NSAs and the government will now be on the same page,” Gregorio said during a PSC-organized coordination meeting on Tuesday.

He added that the body gives organizers a unified structure to maximize government assistance and event marketing without overlapping responsibilities.

National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee takes lead role

With the PSC as lead agency, the committee is tasked to plan, source and allocate funds for hosting bids, coordinate with international sports bodies, and oversee promotions to optimize sports tourism gains.

Gregorio emphasized that the new mechanism streamlines processes that previously required NSAs to independently seek funding from agencies like the PSC and Department of Tourism.

“Now we have a systematic and all-encompassing process when we bid as a country for hosting international events,” he noted. “If the NSA wants to bid, present the budget and we will work it out. We can go to President BBM and Congress to secure the support.”

He added that government guarantees — typically required in global hosting — will now be managed efficiently through the inter-agency structure.

Carrion cites full support as world juniors draw strong turnout

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion, who secured the hosting rights last year in Doha, said the committee and PSC have provided comprehensive backing for the world juniors.

Carrion shared that FIG technical delegates awarded the federation a “gold medal” during their August site inspection, praising local preparations and coordination.

She reported that 72 countries and 762 participants have confirmed entries as of October 31, with athletes accommodated across multiple Newport World Resorts properties near NAIA Terminal 3.

“Newport World Resorts hotels have rolled out the welcome mat for our delegates,” Carrion said, noting the accessibility and hospitality extended to visiting teams.

Carrion expressed confidence that participants will enjoy a memorable stay and experience Filipino hospitality throughout the event.