The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) expressed support for the rising global interest in aerosports.

This, after it joined the opening of the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) on 13 February at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac.

Carrying the theme “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” this year’s festival underscored the increasing popularity of aviation sports, drawing local and international pilots and enthusiasts to one of the country’s premier aerial events.

CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario, together with PIHABF Event Director Capt. Joy Roa, led the ceremonial first balloon burn to officially open the festivities.

“May the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta continue to inspire and elevate Philippine aviation for generations to come,” Lt. Gen. Del Rosario said.

On the sidelines of the event, the Director General met with officials of the Airsports Federation of Asia, along with representatives from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, the United States, and Hong Kong to discuss the global growth of aerosports, regulatory harmonization, tourism development, and prospects for international competitions.

CAAP noted that while the surge in aerosports presents significant opportunities for tourism and youth engagement, it also underscores the need for forward-looking and internationally aligned regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, security, and the sustainable development of Philippine aviation.