The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has invited Timor-Leste to join next year’s Tour of Luzon and the first Mindanao Youth Games in Lanao del Norte.

PSC Chair John Patrick Gregorio made the invitation during the meeting with Timor-Leste Ambassador to the Philippines Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva.

The Mindanao Youth Games in Tubod will feature 10 sports for athletes aged 8 to 18 Mach 17 to 21, 2027.

“This is more than just competition. It is about building bridges, discovering talent and using sports as a platform for peace and development,” Gregorio said in a news release Saturday. “Timor-Leste’s participation will enrich the Games and strengthen our ties as ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) neighbors.”

The multi-stage Tour of Luzon, founded in 1955, draws parallels with Tour de Timor, an international mountain bike race that started in 2009.

“Sports is a universal language. By joining these events, Timor-Leste and the Philippines are not only competing but also sharing culture, friendship, and mutual respect,” Da Silva said.

Beyond competitions, the PSC is exploring collaboration programs with Timor-Leste in arnis, the Philippines’ national martial art, and football, Timor-Leste’s most popular sport.

Proposed initiatives include coaching exchanges, technical training and grassroots development programs.

“Arnis represents our heritage, while football is deeply rooted in Timorese culture. By sharing expertise, we can learn from each other and elevate both sports across our nations,” Gregorio said.

The PSC is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to pursue a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Sports Cooperation between the Philippines and Timor-Leste.

The proposed MOU would cover community-based sports programs, healthy lifestyles, grassroots management, governance and athlete development.

“This agreement will institutionalize our cooperation. It will ensure continuity, sustainability, and shared growth in sports development,” Gregorio said.

The meeting also highlighted sports tourism as a platform for cultural exchange and economic growth. Both sides agreed that hosting events and sharing best practices can stimulate local economies while strengthening people-to-people ties.

Timor-Leste became the ASEAN’s 11th full member on Oct. 26, 2025.

“As we prepare for our ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, partnerships like this with the Philippines will help us showcase our identity and strengthen our role in the region,’’ Da Silva said. (PNA)