Good things happen when the country’s top leader is a legitimate sports fan.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has turned his genuine passion and love for sports into a driving force to boost the country’s sports program and appreciate the hard work and sacrifices of Filipino athletes.

For him, the halls of Malacañang will always be open, serving as a fitting venue to celebrate every single triumph, every single feat that Filipino athletes achieved on the global stage.

From Olympic medalists to world champions, the Chief Executive has institutionalized a culture of immediate executive recognition, ensuring that Filipino athletes will receive both financial and meaningful presidential citations for bringing honor to the country.

Take Alex Eala, for example. When the 21-year-old Filipina sensation made history by advancing to the Round of 16 of the Wimbledon Championship, Marcos rolled out the red carpet by hosting a reception for her and her family at the Malacañang Palace last July.

He admitted that as a sports fan, he was thrilled by the mere presence of Eala — one of the best tennis players in the world.

“I’m a fan, so I’m gushing. I’m a real fan of yours,” Marcos said. “One day, I hope I will get the opportunity to watch you, even if it’s not a Grand Slam, even if it’s just an ordinary tournament.”

“You (Eala) have brought such pride to the Philippines, to the Filipinos, and not only because of your success, but also because of the grace with which you handle that success. You show the greatest, best qualities of Filipinos. So you remind us why we are a great race.”

The President’s appreciation seemed to have a huge impact on Eala. The following month, she made history anew when she became the first Filipino to win a title in a Women’s Tennis Association 500 event following a victorious stint in the Washington Open.

Again, Marcos was quick to extend his appreciation, proving that he is truly a sports fan at heart.

“Congratulations on yet another historic achievement. You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits,” Marcos said, a gesture that proves that the highest office in the country is watching, cheering, and standing firmly behind them.

But the President’s sports agenda extends well past individual accolades. Under his administration, sports has been elevated from a mere pastime into a pillar of national policy and economic development.

Recognizing the massive potential of major sporting events to attract international visitors, generate jobs, and revitalize local businesses, Marcos institutionalized sports tourism as a main economic driver.

Through key executive directives — most notably the creation of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee under Administrative Order No. 38 — Marcos forged a high-level “super team” led by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio alongside tourism and local government agencies.

This inter-agency collaboration aims to position the Philippines as a premier destination for major international sports events like the previous FIVB Men’s World Championship, the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championship, the International Series Philippines, the Philippine Open, and the World Surf League Championship Tour.

By hosting these major international competitions, the country not only highlights its world-class hospitality and scenic landscapes but also fuels infrastructure growth and energizes regional economies. And in bridging his personal enthusiasm for sports with actionable governance, Marcos is proving that an engaged sports fan in the Presidency can yield handsome rewards.

Indeed, the President’s love and passion for sports has been the driving force for Filipino athletes to deliver. Good things really happen if the man running the highest public office is cheering his heart out for the Filipino athletes.