President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an administrative order creating the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) to oversee all government initiatives promoting sports tourism locally and globally.(Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 38 on October 29, 2025, establishing the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) to align government efforts in developing and promoting sports tourism.
The committee is tasked with coordinating national initiatives that will position the Philippines as a premier destination for international sporting events, marking a pivotal move that links athletic excellence with the country’s visitor economy.
Turning sports into an economic driver
The creation of the NST-IAC underscores the government’s plan to elevate sports as both a cultural asset and an engine of economic growth. By combining athletic development with tourism promotion, the Marcos administration aims to tap into a growing global market where major events generate jobs, investment, and international exposure.
The Philippines has hosted several world-class competitions, including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, demonstrating its ability to stage international tournaments. Officials said the new committee will build on these achievements by improving coordination, streamlining logistics, and expanding event opportunities across regions.
Strengthening policy coordination
Under Administrative Order No. 38, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will chair the NST-IAC, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as vice chair. Member agencies include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The committee will harmonize programs related to sports tourism, develop competitive bids for hosting international events, and identify investment priorities for sports facilities and infrastructure. It will also work with local governments to ensure that the benefits extend beyond Metro Manila and reach provincial communities.
Aligned with national development goals
The initiative supports the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which recognizes sports as a strategic pillar for tourism-led growth. By investing in venues, marketing, and grassroots programs, the government seeks to turn athletic achievement into sustainable economic activity and community development.
Officials emphasized that sports tourism has ripple effects across hospitality, transportation, and local enterprise, generating long-term gains beyond the competitions themselves.
Building a global stage for champions
The NST-IAC is expected to strengthen the country’s reputation as a dependable host for international tournaments while promoting greater collaboration between public and private sectors.
For a nation passionate about basketball, boxing, and volleyball, the challenge now is to transform enthusiasm into a structured industry that supports athletes, attracts investors, and invites global spectators.
The creation of the committee marks an important step in making the Philippines not only a country of fans but a global stage for champions.
