The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), led by President John Gutierrez, secured top honors at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards by winning National Sports Association of the Year and International Event of the Year for hosting the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup at the Philsports Arena.
Organized by the Sports Tourism Alliance Committee and presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event celebrated achievements across the sports tourism sector.
Guest of honor and PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who also chairs the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee, highlighted the federation’s impact on national visibility and economic growth.
“The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup was a celebration of how sports can bring nations together and put the Philippines on the global map,” said Gregorio.
“We all believe that the biggest tourism events in the world are sports events. Napaka-swerte natin dahil President Marcos really believes that sports tourism is a strategy not only to promote tourism but to develop grassroots sports,” he added, pointing to major competitions like the Tour of Luzon, the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships, and the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships in Boracay.
“What is unique with sports tourism is that while athletes compete for points and prize money, the host country showcases its destinations to millions of viewers worldwide,” Gregorio noted. “From tennis to surfing, cycling to futsal, sambo to karate, these events bring athletes, fans, and federations together and in the process, they elevate the Philippines on the global sports map.”
“When we host events of this magnitude, we don’t just welcome athletes and fans. we showcase our destinations, inspire our youth, and strengthen our national identity through sports,” Gregorio emphasized.
Major awardees included:
- Key Entities & Personalities: Subic Bay Freeport Zone (Destination of the Year), Cynthia Carrion (Sports Personality of the Year), World Archery Philippines (Emerging NSA of the Year), and Tour of Luzon (Domestic Event of the Year).
- Municipalities & Organizers: City of Puerto Princesa (Emerging Destination of the Year and Co-Event Organizer of the Year with Sunrise Events) and City of Lapu-Lapu (Destination Marketing Event of the Year).
- Industry & Hospitality Partners: New Clark City (Venue of the Year), NUSTAR Resort Cebu (Hotel of the Year), Philippine Airlines (Airline of the Year), Duck Sports (Media Outfit of the Year), Island Living Channel (Local TV Sports Media Outfit of the Year), Grand Country Tour and Travel (Tour Operator of the Year), Marriott Charity Golf (Charity Event of the Year), and the Sports Tourism Forum at SMX Clark (M.I.C.E Event of the Year).
The evening also recognized Sports Tourism Alliance Committee founder Charles Lim, alongside special guests SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose Aliño, Clark Development Corporation CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera, and Philippine Retirement Authority GM Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado.
The PFF’s world-class hosting boosted local businesses while providing valuable exposure for Filipino athletes.
The country continues its momentum with upcoming major fixtures, including the World Surf League Championship Tour (October 31–November 10), the Asian U19 Sepak Takraw Championships (November 18–25), and the East Asia Baseball Cup (November 26–December 5).