President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to lead the country’s preparation for its historic hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (FFWWC) 2025.
Through Administrative Order (AO) No. 35, President Marcos directed the formation of the IATF, which will serve as the central coordinating body for all government efforts related to the planning, organization, and execution of the prestigious international tournament.
The Philippines will make history by hosting the FFWWC for the first time, from November 21 to December 7, 2025, with Pasig City in Metro Manila and Victorias City in Negros Occidental serving as the host venues for 16 top women’s national teams competing for the title.
The task force, chaired by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), will coordinate efforts across national government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders to ensure the successful staging of the globally renowned event.
“The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 aims to advance the development of futsal in the country, inspire greater sports engagement among Filipinos, elevate the Philippines’ standing in the international sports arena, and generate economic and tourism opportunities through a globally recognized event,” the AO read.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will serve as the Vice-Chair of the IATF while members agencies include the departments of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Budget and Management, Health, Information and Communications Technology, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Presidential Communications Office as well as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The PSC will also serve as the Secretariat, providing administrative and technical support to the task force.
The IATF is mandated to develop and implement plans, activities, and programs, including the procurement of materials and equipment needed for the tournament.
It is also tasked with ensuring coordination of all plans and activities and forming an executive committee, if necessary, to oversee and guide the task force’s operations.
The IATF is also authorized to accept donations, contributions, grants, and gifts from both domestic and international sources, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
All national government agencies, state universities, and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other instrumentalities are directed to extend full support and assistance to the task force.
Local government units (LGUs) and private sector partners are likewise strongly encouraged to support the initiative.
The task force is also directed to carry out additional duties assigned by the President or the Executive Secretary.
The funds necessary to implement the order shall be charged to the available funds of the concerned agencies, in compliance with existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws and regulations.
The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 is aligned with the constitutional mandate to promote sports as a means to foster patriotism, accelerate social progress, and support human development.
The AO, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 30, will take effect immediately. | PND
