NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — Recognizing the potential of sports as a key driver of tourism and economic growth, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have joined forces to strengthen sports tourism promotion in New Clark City and its world-class sports facilities. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang on Monday, 09 March, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to activate collaborative efforts in promoting New Clark City sports facilities, with the goal of attracting both local and international sporting events in these venues. Through the DOT’s integrated marketing capabilities and extensive global network, the partnership will help stage events and activities that will enhance tourism growth while spurring broader economic development in Tarlac and surrounding communities. It will also support the Marcos administration’s goal of strengthening the Philippines’ international image through the hosting of high-level, high-impact sporting events. “The areas under BCDA’s stewardship present opportunities for tourism growth. New 
Clark City, in particular, has demonstrated capacity to host major sporting events, and successfully so. With its modern sports facilities and integrated development, it is well positioned to strengthen the Philippines’ role in sports tourism.” said Secretary Frasco. “Through this partnership, we aim to maximize the potential of destinations, such as New Clark City and other BCDA-managed properties, as venues for international events, and as drivers of tourism activity, investments, and jobs,” she added. For his part, Engr. Bingcang said that their partnership with the Department of Tourism strengthens the vision of positioning New Clark City as a center for sports excellence and a true home for Filipino athletes. “By promoting sports tourism together, we elevate New Clark City’s standing as a premier destination for training and competition while creating opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities,” he said. Under the MOU, the DOT and BCDA will work together on the marketing and promotion of New Clark City sports facilities and events. The parties will also develop strategic programs and tour packages that integrate local culture, heritage and leisure activities into sports tourism initiatives. Both agencies will also collaborate on the planning and implementation of events, and perform activities aimed at enhancing overall visitor experience. Leveraging its internationally accredited sports facilities, BCDA continues to advance sports development and promote sports excellence through partnerships that support athlete training, sports programs, and sports tourism in New Clark City. It has partnered with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), allowing full-time access to New Clark City sports facilities for national athletes. The PSC is also eyeing the construction of a 10-hectare multi-disciplinary sports facility within the rising metropolis. A separate agreement with the Philippine Tennis Association will also pave the way for the construction of a 10-hectare tennis center in the city. New Clark City is also home to the National Academy of Sports, where young athletes are trained and nurtured to become the country’s future champions.

  CAMP JOHN HAY, Baguio City, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have formalized their partnership to establish the John Hay Sports Center in Camp John Hay in Baguio City. The establishment of the John Hay Sports Center aims to support diverse training programs for Filipino athletes, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration’s efforts to make better use of government land and facilities while boosting local economic activity. Under the agreement, BCDA shall allocate approximately 6,000 square meters within Camp John Hay, designated for the development of the John Hay Sports Center. The facility’s design is inspired by the mountains of the Cordillera and Baguio’s stepped landscape, which follows the natural shape of the land. Just like the terraces that rise step by step, the facility represents how athletes grow and improve over time, starting from the community level and moving toward top-level competition. “The John Hay Sports Center shows our commitment to building future champions. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, this facility gives athletes the support and environment they need to grow. By investing in quality sports infrastructure, we help the next generation of Filipino athletes reach their full potential and compete globally,” BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said. The John Hay Sports Center will give national athletes steady access to quality indoor training spaces for futsal, floorball, mixed martial arts, netball, handball, and other sports. Beyond elite preparation, the Center will also serve as a hub for recreational sports promotion and grassroots development within the Baguio community. “We want to strengthen national training while generating sustainable revenue to support our Regional Training Centers across the country,” said PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio. “The John Hay Sports Center reinforces Baguio’s identity as a stronghold of champions and a vital pillar in the country’s sports development ecosystem.” The BCDA will oversee the construction of the facility, which is targeted for completion within 18 months, and will handle the bidding process for both the design-and-build contractor and the future private operations and management partner. The PSC has already provided Php150 million in December 2025 as initial funding for the project and has committed to release the fullPhp500 million project cost within the term of the agreement. Once the facility is completed, it will be formally turned over to the PSC, which will operate and maintain the sports center. The PSC will also be granted the right to use the property through a separate usufruct agreement. This partnership continues BCDA’s collaboration with PSC to advance Philippine sports. Since 2025, BCDA and PSC have worked together on plans for training facilities in New Clark City, including a Philippine Tennis Center, while also making use of existing facilities to support athletes.          

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu will welcome sports and tourism industry leaders, government officials, and private sector stakeholders to the Sports Tourism Forum 2026 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu in Cebu City on March 18, 2026. The one-day forum is supported by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Department of Tourism Region 7, the Cebu MICE Alliance, and NUSTAR Resort Cebu, with The Freeman as its official media partner. The forum will feature three rounds of panel discussions on key topics shaping the industry today: Is the Tourism Sector Doing Its Share in Sports Tourism Sponsorship Impact on Sports Tourism in Cebu Achievements & Challenges in Managing Sports Tourism Events Distinguished guest speakers include Mr. Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission; Ms. Cleofe Albiso, President of the Cebu MICE Alliance; Ms. Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events Inc.; Dir. Roberto “Robby” Alabado III, Director of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism at the Department of Tourism; Mr.  Kenneth Peralta, VP of Investment, Promotions, and Marketing at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Mr. Andrew Fernandes, Bohol sports tourism organizer; Mr. Marko Kasic, Founder of FundLife International; Mr. Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO Sports; and Mr. Benito “Bong” Bengzon, Jr., Vice President Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. and Executive Director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association. The Sports Tourism Forum, since its inception in 2004, has been held across the Philippines to improve managing and encourage sports events in the country to boost tourism. Sports events create a positive social, cultural and economic impact for the host city. The series is hosted  by Selrahco Management, a strategic marketing and public relations company based in Cebu for Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc., a non-stock, non profit organization, a member of the London-based, International Association of Event Hosts. Registration to the forum is at ₱2,500.00 on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee includes lunch, one snack, a certificate, and networking opportunities. Interested participants may register online at https://form.jotform.com/250370552303446 or email arantxa.selrahco@gmail.com.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — For Jones Llabres Inso, balance has always meant more than a perfect stance — it is also the quiet discipline of daily training, the tug-of-war between lectures and practice halls, and the patience to wait a decade for a moment that would finally turn silver into gold. At 28, the former Saint Louis University BS Mechanical Engineering student from Aurora Hill stood atop the podium of the Southeast Asian Games, ending a ten-year gold drought for the Philippines in men’s wushu taolu. At the Fashion Island Mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Inso delivered a breakthrough performance in Wushu Taolu Taiji Chuan, scoring 19.563 overall. It was the country’s first men’s gold in the sport since 2015. For Inso, the victory completed a long arc, having come close before by garnering silver medals in 2019 and 2021. But this time, everything aligned. “The SEA Games were the biggest multisport event I knew as a child. Dreaming of participating and actually winning feels so fulfilling,” he said. Inso’s journey began almost accidentally. At ten years old, summers were meant for fitness, not medals. His mother, noticing children his age practicing taolu while she trained in taichi, brought Jones and his siblings along. What started as a casual routine grew into a lifelong passion. Still, the path wasn’t straight as he paused training in high school and returned to college initially for scholarships until a turning point arrived: an endorsement to the national team by former SEA Games champion Daniel Parantac. “It became a path for self-discovery. I told myself I’d go as far as I could while I can,” Inso recalled. The hardest battles, he says, weren’t fought on the competition floor because in taolu, an individual performs one routine at a time, make or break. Preparation is everything and juggling engineering coursework with elite training demanded what felt like two full lives, he explained. “I had to give 100% to school and another 100% to wushu,” he stressed as exhaustion, physical and mental, often knocked him down. What lifted him back up was his circle: family, friends, teammates, and coaches who never doubted his capability. Those years taught him a simple truth: progress is always upward and forward. “Standing on the top of the podium, singing our national anthem… that was my dream,” Inso disclosed. Since joining the national team, he had carried that image with him. In Bangkok, it finally became real. To aspiring athletes, Inso breaks the myth of complexity as he shares that Wushu is “easy” in principle and encourages them to train daily, stay teachable and be consistent because behind the simplicity lies relentless work. “Every setback was a learning experience. Every success was a fruit of labor,” he says adding that luck may open doors, but consistency keeps you inside the room. Inso hopes that the next generation be given the opportunity and chance to showcase and polish what’s already there. His own story proves it: stay ready long enough, and when the stage appears, balance can turn into gold. — Danielyn Abela (PIO-Intern)/gabykeith

APAYAO, Philippines — The Apayao Cycling Challenge II (XC Edition) is set on February 22, in San Gregorio, Luna, featuring a technical cross-country course built for competitive racing. Expect mixed terrain, tight technical sections, and sustained climbs that will test power, control, and endurance. Riders across multiple age categories compete for podium finishes and exciting prizes. Early bird registration is now open. Register here: https://forms.gle/45GpKnLXXz9Ev1BT6

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan honored the Summer Capital’s Southeast Asian Games medalists during flag-raising rites at City Hall. The victorious athletes who participated in the Games which took place in Thailand, Dec. 9 to 20, 2025, were lauded for their achievements which the officials stressed were “not only personal triumphs but also collective victories for Baguio.” They include Justin Kobe Macario, who clinched the first gold medal for the Philippines in taekwondo under the men’s individual freestyle poomsae category and a bronze in the mixed team poomsae; Zyra Gados Bon-as took gold in kickboxing women’s lowkick 48kg, while Jomar Esteban Balangui secured bronze in kickboxing men’s K-60kg. Godwin Amos Langbayan earned two bronze medals in jiu-jitsu men’s 62kg mixed team, joined by Katryn Angela Saldajeno with a bronze in jiu-jitsu mixed team; Mariane Bantasan Mariano won two bronze medals in jiu-jitsu duo classic women’s team and mixed team; while Denzel John Alipio added bronze in mixed martial arts men’s modern 60kg. Islay Erika Bomogao fought her way to gold in muaythai combat and bronze in wai kru; Whinny Guindayan Bayawon won silver in kickboxing, tatami kick light;  Jones Llabres Inso captured gold in wushu men’s taijiquan-taijijian; Krisna Wasing Malecdan earned bronze in wushu women’s dulian bare-handed; and Krizan Faith Collado also won bronze in women’s wushu dulian bare-handed. Xander Alipio secured bronze in men’s wushu sanda 56kg; Gina Iniong Araos added bronze in mixed martial arts special value modern 54kg; and Jean Claude Kitong Saclag also won bronze in mixed martial arts men’s modern 55kg. Eumir Felix Marcial claimed his 5th SEA Games gold medal in boxing, while Nesthy Petecio secured bronze in women’s boxing 63kg;  Jason Saltin Baucas brought home bronze in wrestling, Greco-Roman men’s 72kg; Gerald Kato Loy got  bronze in the practical shooting open category; and Hussein Loraña sprinted for gold in the men’s 800m. Joshua Alexander Hamada Ramos garnered bronze in the aquathlon all-men relay; Maynard Pecson captured silver in the duathlon mixed team relay and Aira Villegas secured silver in women’s flyweight. Local officials emphasized that these victories reflect the resilience and excellence of Baguio athletes and that each medal added to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for sports excellence. They also extended their heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, whose dedication and guidance made these achievements possible. “These triumphs remind the community that Baguio is not only a city of culture and creativity but also a city of champions. With every medal won, the athletes prove that discipline, perseverance, and passion can turn dreams into victories—and their success will continue to inspire generations to come,” city officials stated. -Jhezereel Bangaoet/PIO-Intern/gabykeith

By Rachel Magday   SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — The municipality of Solano was proclaimed overall champion of the 2026 Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletics Association(NVPAA) Meet during the closing ceremonies on Feb. 6 at the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. Solano led the final medal tally with 103 gold, 103 silver and 122 bronze medals. Bayombong finished first runner-up with 72 gold, 60 silver and 83 bronze, while Quezon placed second runner-up with 51 gold, 46 silver and 61 bronze. Bambang ended as third runner-up with 32 gold, 39 silver and 52 bronze, followed by Kasibu in fourth with 23 gold, 24 silver and 25 bronze. Solano also topped the secondary level competition with 59 gold, 55 silver and 74 bronze medals, followed by Bayombong, Bambang, Kasibu and Quezon. In the elementary level, Solano again placed first with 44 gold, 48 silver and 48 bronze medals. Quezon ranked second, followed by Bayombong, Ambaguio and Diadi. For the Paragames, Bayombong emerged champion with 18 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals, followed by Solano, Kasibu, Bagabag and Bambang. Solano Mayor Philip Dacayo, together with officials of the Department of Education (DepEd)–Solano, received the championship trophy and cash incentive on behalf of the delegation. Special awards were also conferred, with Kasibu named Most Disciplined Delegation and Solano winning Best Uniformed Delegation. Schools Division Superintendent Orlando E. Manuel said, DepEd Nueva Vizcaya aims to develop athletes who can compete not only in local and national meets but also in international competitions. He encouraged parents to support children who are interested in sports and urged athletes to continue improving their performance. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito also congratulated the winners and participants, recognizing the athletes’ hard work and the efforts of coaches, trainers and organizers in staging a successful meet. He reiterated the provincial government’s support for youth development through sports and education programs. The provincial government allocated P1.5 million from the Provincial Special Education Fund to help fund the conduct of the NVPAA Meet.

CEBU, Philippines — The Sports Tourism Forum organized by Sports Turismo Alliance in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held in Cebu on March 18, 2026. The one-day forum will feature top officials from both the sports and tourism sectors with the theme of Incorporating Sports in M.I.C.E. Leading the distinguished panel of speakers are Philippine Sports Commission Chairman, Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; Cleofe Albiso of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Princess Galura of Sunrise Events; Carlo Sampan of Milo Sports;  Director Robbie Alabado of Department of Tourism; Vice President Kenneth Peralta of Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Benito Bengzon lll of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association; Marco Kasic of FundLife International; Michael Albana of SMX Convention Center; and Andrew Fernandes of Bellevue Resorts Bohol. Under Administrative Order #8, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr recently created the National Sports Tourism – Inter Agency Committee headed by PSC Chairman, Pato Gregorio. It’s objective is to to successfully stage and hosts sporting events in the country to boost its tourist arrivals and the tourism industry. Governor Pamela Baricuatro of Cebu Province together with Mayor Cindi Chan of Lapu Lapu City, Mayor Nestor Archival of Cebu City and Mayor Jonkie Ouano of Mandaue City have been invited to present their views and support the development of Cebu into a sports tourism hub.  

FORT DEL PILAR, Philippines — SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall in Fort Del Pilar, expanding the academy’s core training and communal facilities. The development will feature a two-story building with a multipurpose hall capable of accommodating 2,500 individuals. It can be used for training exercises, official gatherings, and indoor sports. The project will also include office spaces and a 1.6-kilometer running track to support cadet activities. Designed by JSLA Architects, the project emphasizes typhoon resilience, given Baguio’s climate conditions and PMA’s requirement for durable, long-life infrastructure. Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, Superintendent of the PMA, said the partnership aligns with PMA’s role in producing officers grounded in character and service. “PMA produces leaders anchored in honor, integrity, and selfless service—leaders of character,” Valencia said. “This is the PMA’s contribution to the nation, and this is what the generosity of SM Prime strengthens.” Valencia said the facilities will play a significant role in exemplifying discipline, resilience, and leadership under pressure: “The new mess hall and athletic oval are not merely physical structures; they are integral to the formation of leaders. They shape discipline, resilience, teamwork, and character—qualities that can never be taught in classrooms alone.” He said the project aligns with the academy’s transformation agenda, focused on holistic leadership formation. “This infrastructure inspires excellence and helps advance our vision for the transformation of the academy,” he said. Valencia also highlighted the role of shared spaces in cadet development. “The mess hall is where discipline becomes a habit, where unity is forged, and shared sacrifice is lived fully,” he said. “The athletic oval is where resilience is built, limits are tested, and the warrior ethos is defined—qualities essential for leadership under pressure.” Citing SM Group’s initiatives in education, Valencia said the company has consistently delivered world-class, technologically advanced facilities designed to endure generations. “Today, we are both humbled and proud that PMA will receive the same standard of excellence,” he said. “These facilities will serve not only today’s cadets but generations of future officers. The PMA is now even more inspired to be always better than yesterday.”