The Philippine Olympic Committee wasted little time at the start of the year in securing two major international hosting commitments for the country. POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed that the Philippines is set to stage the SEA Plus Youth Games in late 2027 and the Asian Beach Games in early 2028.

Tolentino said the back-to-back hosting assignments underscore the country’s growing role in international sports and align with the government’s broader sports tourism agenda. Both events are awaiting final confirmation from the Olympic Council of Asia.

SEA Plus Youth Games locked in for late 2027

The SEA Plus Youth Games will be held toward the end of 2027 following consultations with OCA officials, Tolentino said. The original timetable placed the event in early 2028, but adjustments were made after direct coordination with the continental body.

Formal letters of intent for both competitions will be submitted ahead of the OCA General Assembly later this month in Tashkent. Tolentino said approval is expected, allowing organizers to move swiftly into planning with the Philippine Sports Commission.

The youth event is open to athletes aged 17 and under and features a structured program that includes mandatory sports, Olympic disciplines, Asian non-Olympic events, and a traditional sport. The “Plus” component allows invited participation from at least one Asian NOC outside Southeast Asia to raise competition standards.

Asian Beach Games part of sports tourism push

The Asian Beach Games are scheduled for early 2028, although the host venue has yet to be disclosed. Tolentino noted that the timing places the Philippines two years after the upcoming edition in Sanya, China, set for April this year.

The twin hosting duties support the objectives of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee, chaired by PSC head Patrick “Patò” Gregorio and established last year under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The initiative aims to attract major sporting events as drivers of tourism and economic activity.

Beyond hosting plans, Tolentino said the POC calendar remains packed with international commitments, including Filipino participation in the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, the Sanya Asian Beach Games, the Nagoya Asian Games in September, and the Jeddah Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.