LGUs urged to lead sports tourism bid

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

A FORMER chief of the national sports agency urged local government units (LGUs) Tuesday to lead the sports tourism campaign for the Davao Region.

William "Butch" Ramirez, who chaired the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for several years, spoke before 120 participants in the first-ever Sports Tourism Forum held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

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He said the PSC, by virtue of Republic Act 6847, focuses on grassroots sports development and elite sports.

Thus, campaigning for sports tourism is best attained through collaboration of LGUs and private sectors.

"We don't have a sports complex in Davao City. But a sports development program is being crafted through strategic planning. Soon enough, the city may be able to put up sports facilities in Davao City," he said.

He also said the Davao Region has great opportunities to push sports tourism.

The Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) can also focus on mountain climbing aside from promoting its already famous stretch of white sand beaches.

Ramirez even cited Tagum City for building a Volleydrome, a venue for beach volleyball, just within the city and Maribojoc in Bohol that is starting to promote dragon boating.

He said Surigao made a name for itself in surfing.

Surveys noted that Philippines will soon be a leader in adventure sports. Thus, that National Government as well as LGUs need to focus on sports where Filipinos can excel.

"We can all help bring the country to the sports map with gifted athletes, brilliant coaches and financial backing for exposures here and abroad and partnership with the private sector," Ramirez said.

Sports Tourism Forum organizer and founder Charles Lim, president of Selrahco Management and Consultancy Services, meanwhile, said the entire region must work as a team to help push sports tourism.

"Davao City can provide accommodation while competitions are done in provinces like Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte where there are sports facilities. An hour's travel from Davao City won't be a problem at all," Lim told Sun.Star Davao in an interview.

He also said while Davao City doesn't have a sports coliseum, it can capitalize on what it already has like the Deca Wakeboard Park in Tacunan, Mintal and white water rafting in Davao River, among others.