He said this after his 24-hour visit to the province.
Last Sunday, March 8, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio visited the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu, for a number of engagements and ocular visits in the regional hub.
“Cebu City’s potential to become one of the country’s centers of sports excellence is unmistakable—from its scenic and vibrant setting to its people’s deep passion for sport,” read the PSC’s media release, where his itinerary was indicated.
On his list of activities that day were to identify the Regional Training Center for Gymnastics in the city; observe the 2nd Leg of the Dancesport Challenge 2026; the gift-giving activity withbthe families of national athletes and Navy personnel who died the major earthquake last year; and a fellowship dinner with government officials and local sport leaders.
Furthermore, he also went to inspect sports facilities at South Road Properties (SRP) for the Asian Beach Games 2028; a visit to the SM City Seaside Cebu Arena; identify a site at University of the Philippines Cebu for the National Academy of Arnis; and inspect the Cebu Convention Center for possible rehabilitation and redevelopment as a sports, arts, and culture hub.
Gregorio also met with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore sports tourism collaborations and delivered a message to the Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Brewery Sports Awards.
In the lattermost, he expressed that the “future of sports tourism is rising in Cebu.”
“I’m sure in the next two years, the Queen City of the South will show its might as the national powerhouse of sports tourism,” said Gregorio.
He added, “It will be a centerpiece in the realization of our vision for Philippine sports: from grassroots to gold, from gold to greatness.”
“Cebu must be at the forefront of this movement. It will be Cebu’s gift to national renewal. It is PSC’s gift to Cebu,” furthered the official.
According to the commission, Cebu is set to be a training hub for Arnis, DanceSport, and Gymnastics.
There will also be investments in world-class facilities that could host high-profile tournaments, including the Asian Beach Games in 2028.
One of those inspected for that purpose was the upcoming SM Seaside Cebu Arena, which is scheduled to open in June 2026 with a seating capacity for 16,000 spectators, expandable to as many as 25,000—at par with that of the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
PSC Chairman Gregorio, who was joined by Commissioner Edward Hayco, conducted an ocular inspection of the arena as part of preparations for the Philippines’ bid to host the 2028 Asian Beach Games.
The arena will feature smart technologies and professional-grade facilities ready to host major international events, which will help bring to Cebu the caliber of competitions that have been hosted by the MOA Arena, such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025, and the upcoming Karate One Youth League this May.
“Cebu is always bound for history. With its vibrant spirit and collective drive, the city rises to claim its place among the world’s premier sporting destinations,” noted the PSC on the city.
