Ormoc City is betting that sports can drive its next phase of growth, pairing new training venues with a push for tourism. With Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Rep. Richard Gomez leading the effort, the city wants to become a regional training hub.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is backing the plan, and chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio made the pitch at Ormoc’s 79th Charter Day celebration. He spoke to 1,500 delegates of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.

Ormoc City Sports Complex Adds Training Venues and Athlete Dormitory

Ormoc’s completed and ongoing projects include a modern pentathlon training facility, a boxing gym, an obstacle course and wall-climbing modules. Others are a BMX track, a fencing gym, a skateboarding park, a karate and martial arts gym and a track oval.

At Lake Danao, the PSC donated boats and assigned national team coaches to help grow rowing. The venues are envisioned as both elite training grounds and attractions that can draw tourists, tournaments and international events.

Charter Day festivities included the unveiling of an obstacle course and a wall-climbing facility. The city also showcased a new multilevel dormitory that can house at least 120 athletes near the track oval and sports complex.

Sports Tourism in Ormoc: Gregorio, Gomez Outline Regional Training Hub Plan

Gregorio pointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and Poland as examples of sports tourism success. He said they “know that the biggest tourism events in the world are sports events,” citing the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

“We thank the PSC for believing in Ormoc’s vision,” Torres-Gomez said. She added that the facilities are meant for families, communities and visitors, not just athletes.

Gomez, who represents Leyte’s 4th District and heads the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association, said the venues support a mission to make Ormoc a regional training hub where athletes prepare for national and international competitions.

Karate Pilipinas president Richard Lim praised the city’s plan for a dedicated karate facility and donated new mats. He said the national team will eventually train in Ormoc and teach local youth for free.

Gregorio said Ormoc is “fast becoming a regional training hub for Philippine sports.” He added that he is confident the city will “become a model for sports development and tourism in the Philippines.”