To strengthen grassroots sports development in the province, Tarlac State University initiated the Provincial Sports, Wellness, and Tourism Council Formation last February 26-27, 2026 at the TSU Amphitheater, Lucinda Campus.
The council formation helps unify stakeholders and establish the vision, mission, and organizational structure, along with the actionable programs and legal framework, for the Tarlac Community Sports and Wellness Center (TCSWC) located at the TSU San Isidro Campus.
Invited participants include tourism officers and sports coordinators from the province, city, and municipalities; Sangguniang Kabataan officials; and sports coordinators from the Department of Education's Tarlac Province and Tarlac City divisions, as well as from other schools and higher education institutions within Tarlac.
Coach Ana Dulce Yango, project lead for the Sports Development Management Programs of the Office of Student Development Services under the Commission on Higher Education, gave an overview of the CHED Community Sports and Wellness Program. She also presented the CHED grant programs and their implementation.
Dr. Harrold Bueno, dean of the College of Hospitality Management at Far Eastern University, delivered a talk on sports tourism as an economic driver, emphasizing the importance of attracting visitors for revenue and leveraging sports tourism through promotion and boosting economic potential.
Meanwhile, Mr. Roberto Alabado III, director of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism from the Department of Tourism, tackled the topic "Sports Tourism Management," which can help participants strategize provincial sports tourism events by drafting event plans, engaging stakeholders, and expanding their resources.
During the workshop session, participants were grouped into three and tasked with creating and presenting a vision and mission statement and the council's core goals.
Moreover, Dr. Bueno asked the participants to identify the responsibilities of stakeholders and the roles of the local government unit, tourism offices, HEIs, DepEd, and municipal and provincial sports coordinators.
They were also asked to draft the key provisions of the council ordinance, its operational guidelines, structure, functions, powers, and shared responsibilities.
Hon. Carl Lewis Rendon, SK Federation president from Victoria town, and Level II World Athletics coach and PE instructor, shared his experiences and techniques for maximizing his training schedule.
"There's a big difference between officiating and coaching. There's a different textbook for coaches, officiating officials, and coaching per se. We have good coaches, but what we are trying to say is that we need this upscaling that is comprehensive [coaching courses]," Rendon shared during the open forum.
According to Prof. Josephine Joy Reyes, former executive director of the National Academy of Sports, it is essential to upskill coaches and to offer summer clinics where students can train well in advance of competition dates.
“Gusto ko talagang alagaan ang mga coaches. Ang mga atleta ay hindi magiging champion kung hindi dahil sa inyo,” Prof. Reyes said in response to Rendon.
The TCSWC is under the TSU PATH (Promotion of Awareness, Teamwork, and Health), funded by the Commission on Higher Education through the leadership of former CHED Commissioner Dr. J. Prospero "Popoy" De Vera. Through this center, Tarlac Province aims to become the country's center of sports excellence.
The university's TCSWC is set to be inaugurated in March this year. (jlm-OPA)
