Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said Clark and Pampanga will play a key role in shaping the country’s strategy for sports tourism under the newly formed super body for the sector.
Speaking at the Pampanga Press Club’s KapiHann forum at Swissotel Clark, Gregorio said the province has the capacity to host major sports events that attract both athletes and tourists.
“I truly believe that Pampanga is a sports tourism destination. One of the best. Lalo na yung golf. Pinakamalaki ang atraksyon ng golf sa Asya. Kaya pong lumaban ng Clark (Pampanga) diyan,” Gregorio said.
His remarks followed the release of Administrative Order No. 38 by Malacañang on October 28, 2025. The order created the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC), to be led by the PSC with members from the Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and PAGCOR.
Gregorio commended the provincial government of Pampanga, particularly Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, for maintaining a strong grassroots sports program, especially in basketball. He compared Pampanga’s sports culture to its cuisine—well-developed and widely respected.
“Pinag-aaralan namin how he does it (basketball and sports program). Nakikita ko na nga ang strategy. Ang ganda ng style ni (Vice Gov.) Delta pagdating sa Basketball,” he said.
Gregorio, a former Clark Development Corporation executive, said Pampanga also has the potential to host national and international golf tournaments.
“Let us position Clark and Pampanga as the most ideal, the most exciting golf (sports) destination in the country. What will now stop Pampanga from hosting the Philippine Open or the Ladies PGA. We can bring (these) big events in Pampanga,” he said.
He noted the growing number of foreign players frequenting golf courses in the province, including Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao. Within Clark, championship-level courses are already established, and by February next year, Hann Reserve will open an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus at New Clark City.
Gregorio added that promoting Pampanga supports the long-held dream of Kapampangan businessman Manny Pangilinan for the Philippines to become Asia’s sports capital. Gregorio previously served 17 years as a “corporate sportsman” under the MVP Group.
He also highlighted the accessibility of Clark, citing Clark International Airport and the upcoming railway connection to Metro Manila as major draws for athletes and visitors.
Last November 7, the Sports Tourism Alliance and Selrahco Consulting successfuly hosted a Sports Tourism Forum at SMX Convention Clark. The event gathered industry leaders, event organizers, and tourism stakeholders and discussed how sports can drive tourism and economic growth.