Why hosting big sports events matters for young Filipinos

Hosting major sports events is often seen as a spectacle, but for young Filipinos, it carries real and practical value. Large tournaments bring people, money, and attention to the country. This creates short-term jobs and boosts small businesses, especially in host cities.

According to studies on sports tourism, countries that host international competitions often see increased visitor spending and stronger local economies during and after the event.

The Philippines has already proven it can deliver at this scale. Events like the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup drew global attention and packed venues.

These events pushed upgrades in sports facilities and transport systems, improvements that remain long after the final whistle.

Hosting also puts the country on the international calendar, making it easier to attract future events and investments tied to sports and entertainment.

A more recent example is the Philippines’ solo hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Volleyball has more than 800 million fans worldwide, and the event placed the country in front of a massive global audience.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who served as co-chair of the local organizing committee, described the championship as a win not just for sports fans but for tourism and national visibility.

He has repeatedly argued that hosting global events helps build a stronger sports culture while opening economic opportunities for Filipinos.

For young Filipinos, hosting big sports events is more than watching games live. It is about jobs, exposure, community pride, and the chance to be part of something global without leaving home. When done right, sports events become platforms for growth, and that is the conversation policymakers should continue to push without turning it into pure politics.DANNY SIMON