Subic bay freeport zone: Subic Bay Freeport Zone seeks to reclaim its legacy as a premier sports destination by possibly hosting the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship and a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) event in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
According to Philippines News Agency, PSC chairman John Patrick Gregorio and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Eduardo Alino shared their vision that the international tournaments would not only revitalize Subic's sports facilities but also rebrand the Freeport Zone as a sports tourism hub. Gregorio stated that hosting world-class tournaments in Subic will inspire communities and elevate Philippine sports to global standards.
Subic Bay has regularly hosted triathlon races, with its venues being utilized during the 2019 and 2025 Southeast Asian Games. However, after the 2019 SEA Games, facilities such as Remy Field's track oval and football pitch, the SMBA gymnasium, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts have rarely seen international action. Alino emphasized the necessity of upgrading these facilities to attract athletes and fans and to promote Subic as a sports and tourism destination.
Gregorio began his Subic visit at the Subic International Golf Club (SIGC), accompanied by Philippine Tennis Association secretary general and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, PSC chief of staff Loujaye Sonido, and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda. They met with SIGC President/Chief Operating Officer Rei Miyamoto and other officials to discuss the 2027 Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship set for February. The PSC, SBMA, and SIGC are exploring a three-year partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines to host the event, inviting top lady golfers from across Asia.
Allado later guided Gregorio around the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which includes the historic Remy Field, a 2,000-seater gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a 25-meter pool, all in need of refurbishment. Tiangco noted that with proposed upgrades to the tennis courts, Subic could host a WTA tournament, enhancing fan engagement and global recognition.
Gregorio and Alino have agreed to pursue renovations with PSC and SBMA funding, aiming to restore the Subic Bay Sports Complex's glory and position the Freeport Zone as an attraction for local and foreign tourists. Gregorio reiterated the PSC's commitment to hosting international tournaments, emphasizing the broader impact on the community and the promotion of the Philippines as a world-class sports destination. The PSC plans to apply its strategy of partnering with local government units and agencies to restore sports facilities across the country to Subic, aiming to once again put the Freeport Zone on the global sports map.
