He joined Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir and counterparts from nine other Southeast Asian countries to formalize the six-point declaration in Bali, aligning steps toward the collective development of youth and sports in the region.
In a statement cited from Indonesia’s Youth and Sports Ministry here on Thursday, he expressed confidence that Southeast Asian nations are moving to deepen ties through sports collaboration, youth development, and joint efforts aimed at unlocking economic benefits from the sports sector.
Gregorio underlined that the declaration marks a crucial milestone for the Southeast Asian community to boost its sporting competitiveness at the global level.
He emphasized the importance of pursuing the Olympics hosting dream by first enhancing the quality of the biennial regional event SEA Games, ensuring organization and management on par with other international championships.
The Philippine official further stressed that the SEA Games could evolve beyond a routine agenda into a new engine of economic growth capable of spurring investment and sponsorship, creating jobs, and boosting sports tourism.
Harnessing these opportunities requires quality improvement, Gregorio added.
He also seconded Thohir’s view that Southeast Asian nations should begin positioning sports as a long-term investment in national development and youth empowerment.
Additionally, he argued that sports participation can help young people across the region cultivate discipline, creativity, and independence—qualities he described as essential for global competitiveness.
The Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports 2026 marked the first regional forum dedicated to nurturing collective efforts in youth and sports development.
Thohir said in a separate statement that the Bali Declaration is primarily aimed at strengthening collaboration, experience-sharing, and policy dialogue to improve youth development and sports governance across the region.
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Translator: M. Ramdan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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