PSC, SBMA seek hosting of tennis, golf tourneys
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio joins businessman Migs Almeda, Philta secretary general John Rey Tiangco, SBMA chairman Eduardo Alino, and SBMA director Honorio Allado in inspecting the facilities that will be used for the international golf and tennis tournaments.
PSC PHOTO
Subic Bay Freeport Zone is poised to reclaim its legacy as a premier sports destination with the possible hosting of two international events next year — the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship and a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament — in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Eduardo Alino expressed their shared vision to bring both prestigious competitions to Subic, a move that would not only revitalize its sports facilities but also rebrand the Freeport Zone as a magnificent sports tourism hub.
“Subic has the potential to be the breeding ground of the nation’s finest athletes while standing tall as a remarkable sports tourism destination. Hosting world-class tournaments here will inspire communities and elevate Philippine sports to global standards,” Gregorio said.
Subic Bay is no stranger to international sporting events. Its pristine beaches and well-paved roads once regularly hosted triathlon races, while the Freeport Zone staged multiple-nation meets such as the Southeast Asian Games in 2005 and 2019.
Yet since the 2019 SEA Games, facilities like Remy Field’s track oval and football pitch, the SMBA gymnasium, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts have rarely seen international action.
“Upgrading these facilities is essential, not only to attract athletes and fans but also to encourage people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and invest in Subic as a sports and tourism destination,” Alino said.
Gregorio began his Subic visit at the Subic International Golf Club (SIGC), joined by Philippine Tennis Association secretary general and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, PSC chief of staff Loujaye Sonido, and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda.
They met with SIGC president Rei Miyamoto, general manager Delnar De Vera, executive vice president Narumi Atarashi, and SMBA director Honorio “Yuri” Allado to discuss staging the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship in February 2027.
The PSC, SIGC, and SBMA are exploring a three-year partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines to host the event, which will invite the finest lady golfers from across Asia.
Allado later toured Gregorio around the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which houses the historic Remy Field, a 2,000-seater gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a 25-meter pool—all in need of refurbishment.
“With the proposed upgrade of the tennis courts, Subic can host a WTA tournament that will bring in fans and federations, much like Manila’s successful staging of the WTA 125 earlier this year. This will be a game-changer for Subic in terms of fan engagement and global recognition,” Tiangco noted.