In preparation for the upcoming hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (FFWWC), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to serve as the organizational body that will coordinate the movement of all concerned government offices.

According to Administrative Order (AO) 35, the IATF will focus on planning, organization and execution of the international tournament.

This is the first time the Philippines will host the FFWWC which will be held from 21 November to 7 December in various parts of the country.

Among the host venues for these events include Pasig City and Victorias City in Negros Occidental.

Sixteen top women’s national teams will be competing for the grand title.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be leading the IATF as Chair. Its responsibility is to coordinate efforts of the national government, local government units as well as private stakeholders to ensure the successful staging of the event.

“The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 aims to advance the development of futsal in the country, inspire greater sports engagement among Filipinos, elevate the Philippines’ standing in the international sports arena, and generate economic and tourism opportunities through a globally recognized event,” the AO read.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will serve as the vice-chair of the IATF.

Other government agencies which will serve as members of the task force include the departments of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Budget and Management, Health, Information and Communications Technology, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Presidential Communications Office.

The Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are also part of the task force.

In addition to serving as Chair, the PSC will also assume the role of Secretariat, providing administrative and technical support to the task force.

The IATF is directed to develop and implement plans, activities, and programs, including the procurement of materials and equipment needed for the FFWWC.

The PSC is also given power to form an executive committee in overseeing and guiding the task force’s operations.

The IATF is authorized to accept donations, contributions, grants and gifts from both domestic and international sources.

Marcos has asked all national government agencies, state universities, and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations, and other instrumentalities to extend their full support and assistance to the task force.

Local government units and private sector partners are likewise strongly encouraged to support the initiative.

Members of the IATF will source funding for this order through their available funds in compliance with existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws and regulations.

The AO was issued by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 30 July and took effect immediately.