PBBM forms task force for FIFA futsal hosting

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

It is also directed to ensure coordination of all plans, programs, and activities related to the hosting of the FFWWC 2025. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created an Inter-Agency Task Force for the preparation, organization, and hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (FFWWC) 2025 in the Philippines on Nov. 21 to Dec. 7.

Under Administrative Order (AO) 35, inked by Marcos on July 30 and made public on Friday, the task force will be chaired by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and vice chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Other members include the tourism, foreign affairs, finance, budget, health, information and communications technology, public works, and transportation departments; Philippine National Police; Bureau of Immigration; Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; National Bureau of Investigation; Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines; and the Presidential Communications Office.

The task force may invite other concerned government agencies, as well as local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, civil society groups, the academe, and other stakeholders as observers and/or resource persons to aid in the preparation for the FFWWC 2025 hosting.

“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,” AO 35 read.

“The successful hosting of the FFWWC 2025 requires the involvement and support of all concerned government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), local government units, and the private sector.”

The task force is directed to formulate and implement plans, activities, and programs, including the procurement of materials and equipment, necessary for the successful hosting of the FFWWC.

It is also directed to ensure coordination of all plans, programs, and activities related to the hosting of the FFWWC 2025.

Under AO 35, the task force is allowed to accept donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts from domestic or foreign sources, for purposes relevant to its mandates and functions, subject to relevant laws, rules and regulations.

All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, including GOCCs and SUCs, are directed, while LGUs and the private sector are encouraged, to extend full support and assistance to the preparation, organization, and hosting of the FFWWC 2025.

The amounts necessary for the implementation of the order will be taken from any available funding of concerned agencies, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

AO 35 takes effect immediately.