Clark, Pampanga—Positioning the Philippines as a premier golfing destination, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launched the first-ever Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) on Friday (August 29) at Clark, Pampanga, one of the country’s emerging golf and leisure hubs—marking a major step in integrating golf into the country’s tourism agenda.

GolfEx is a pioneering‬‭ initiative‬‭ of the Department designed‬‭ to‬‭ showcase‬‭ the‬‭ country as‬‭ a‬‭ premier‬‭ golf‬ destination.‬‭ It is modeled after the‬‭ DOT’s flagship Philippine‬‭ Experience‬‭ Program‬‭: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans (PEP) launched nationwide. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leads the ceremonial tee-off at the launch of the Philippine Golf Experience in Clark, Pampanga

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ceremonial tee-off at the scenic Mimosa Plus Golf Course, where she was joined by Senator Lito Lapid, members of the Diplomatic Corps, including Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of the Embassy of Malaysia, Ambassador Thai Binh Lai of the Embassy of Vietnam, Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of Netherlands, Clark Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Agnes Devanadera, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation Senior Vice President Francis Gotianun, and other golf stakeholders from the tourism and business sectors.

Toursim Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Clark Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Agnes Devanadera, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation Senior Vice President Francis Gotianun, together with delegates from the Diplomatic Corps, including Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of the Embassy of Malaysia, Ambassador Thai Binh Lai of the Embassy of Vietnam, Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of Netherlands, and other golf delegates from the tourism and business sectors

“For many years, it has been a long-held desire to bring golf and tourism together in a way that truly unlocks their potential. We have always known that the Philippines—with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality—together with more than a hundred world-class quality golf courses across our islands, has all the makings of a world-class golf destination. What was needed was a deliberate effort to place golf within our broader national strategy, not only as a sport, but as an experience that brings together play, culture, as well as community,” Secretary Frasco emphasized in her speech. 

The tourism chief said that under the Marcos Administration, the DOT pivoted to an innovative approach that not only counts the country’s tourist arrivals but also puts a premium on measuring the value of tourist offerings.

“Tourism, after all, is not only about how many people have arrived, but rather about how many livelihoods it sustains, how many enterprises it strengthens, and how deep the pride of place it nurtures across our communities. Golf captures this most beautifully—for when done sustainably, golf is a high-value, low-impact form of tourism that draws travelers to stay longer, spend more, and engage more deeply with our destinations, not to mention come back again and again,” she noted. 

With the presence of partners from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, she said that the event strengthens partnerships among all stakeholders by likewise campaigning for the Philippines as a destination for tourist source and opportunity markets.

Furthermore, the Secretary described that the launch of GolfEx in Clark “is no coincidence” as the emerging leisure golf and leisure hub now has a world-class international airport and facilities.

Clark ready to host major golf tournaments and other sporting events

For her part, Atty. Devanadera expressed confidence in Clark’s readiness to host major golf tournaments and other sporting events. 

“Clark is ready for the golf tournaments and all kinds of sports tournaments, and we would like to inform you, and to show you, that the secret here is synergy—synergy among the locators, synergy with the government agencies, synergy with our foreign friends, and above all, the leadership of the Department of Tourism, under, of course, the guidance of our President,” she said. 

From left to right: DOT Director for Golf Tourism Lyle Uy, TIEZA COO Mark Lapid, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Senator Lito Lapid, DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, and DOT Central Luzon Director Richard Daenos

Also present at the kickoff event are Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) Founder and Chairman Michelle Taylan, Tourism Congress of the Philippines President (TCP) James Montenegro, and DOT Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Ferdinand Jumapao, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon and Ronald Conopio, Director for Golf Tourism Lyle Uy, DOT-3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, and other officials of the DOT Central and Regional Offices.

The Philippine Golf Experience highlighted basic golf lessons facilitated by the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PGAP) through the Mimosa Plus Golf Academy

The event highlighted basic golf lessons facilitated by the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PGAP) through the Mimosa Plus Golf Academy. While the members of the Diplomatic Corps, professional golfers and enthusiasts, engaged in an 18-hole friendly golf tournament,‬‭ allowing‬‭ them‬‭ to‬‭ experience‬‭ the‬ country’s world-class golf facilities and scenic courses.‬

On its second day (Aug. 30), delegates were introduced to key landmarks such as the Parade Grounds, Fort Stotsenberg, Centennial Barn Houses, and the historic White House through a rolling tour. Participants were also oriented with Clark’s modern attractions, including Aqua Planet, Clark Safari, Sun Valley Golf and Country Club, and the world-class Clark International Speedway, along with major developments such as the Clark Multi-Specialty Hospital Site and the newly opened Clark International Airport Terminal.