Langkawi, 07 December 2024– Twenty six (26) sports educators from the Philippines successfully completed a two-week training program on organizing major sports events and promoting sports tourism. The program was sponsored by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and organized by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The Closing Ceremony was graced by CHED Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Maria Angela Ponce, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) CEO Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, and Group Chief Executive Officer of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Holding Pty. Ltd., Mr Mohd Rizal Zubair.

In her remarks, Ambassador Ponce underscored the significance of the partnership between CHED and UKM and highlighted it as a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Malaysia, particularly as the two countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Ambassador Ponce emphasized that the program not only provided the participants an opportunity to enhance skills in organizing sports events but also opened avenues to promote and develop sports tourism in the Philippines. She noted that this emerging industry has the potential to bring economic benefits to the country while fostering a deeper appreciation for local sports.

Chair De Vera also highlighted that the course exemplified the outcomes of the 15th ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on Sports, the 7th ASEAN plus Japan Senior Officials Meeting on Sports, and the 3rd ASEAN plus China Senior Officials Meeting held last October 2024. He stressed that this was part of the proactive efforts of the CHED to establish linkages with various Higher Education Institutions in the ASEAN region in fields such as sports, halal, and medicine.

The course involved 26 faculty members from Bukidnon State University, Sorsogon State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Romblon State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Occidental Mindoro State College, Southern Luzon State University, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Isabela State University, Cagayan State University, Palawan State University, Panpacific University, Sulu State College, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, First City Providential College, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, University of the Philippines Diliman, National University, and Philippine Normal University. They were selected because their institutions have experience in hosting major national sports competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa, the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), the Private Schools Athletic Associations (PRISAA), the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The course covered critical aspects of organizing major sports events and focused on the financial and administrative challenges at local, regional and international levels. The program culminated in the participants’ involvement in the Langkawi Half Marathon, a major sports event in Langkawi which also aims to promote sports tourism.

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