Sports governance stakeholders, actors and policies in the Philippines: current issues, challenges and future directions

Abstract

Abstract The paper begins with a brief retrospective review of the history of sports governance in the Philippines with an emphasis on the American influence on the Filipinos’ sports way of life. It then proceeds to the identification of contemporary multiple stakeholders, actors and sub-actors engaged in Philippine sports governance such as the government, private corporations and non-profit associations and media and of their corresponding roles in shaping sports development through their respective policies, projects, programmes and activities. Subsequently, the paper attempts to provide a critical analysis of some key current issues and challenges facing sports governance in the Philippines with regard to funds, politics, naturalization and selection of foreigners, and good governance. Finally, by implication, the paper suggests some key factors to address these sports governance issues such as strong public-private partnership, investment in sport and the creation of a Department of Sports.