More than just helping and promoting mixed martial arts in the country, Team Lakay is getting recognition beyond its accomplishment inside the cage after the Department of Tourism recently accredited them as a tourism recreation center.
For Team Lakay and coach Mark Sangiao, this accreditation is more than just a recognition of their prowess in the cage but a validation of their commitment to their craft and the community.
“Sa amin, this DOT accreditation proves that we are not only contributing to the economy to the country and region sa Cordillera but also, shows that dinadayo talaga tayo ng tao either for tourism purposes or sports and training purposes,” Sangiao said.
Under the secondary tourism enterprises, tourism recreation centers are facilities and services that may be related to tourism and getting accredited means they follow the minimum DOT standards.
For sports and recreational club/center, these are establishment offering sports and recreational facilities to tourist and to the general public.
With Team Lakay’s newfound status as a tourism recreation center, MMA in the Cordillera region is expecting a renaissance.
And even before the accreditation, Team Lakay has been opening its doors not only to MMA fighters in the region to cross train but to a broader audience, inviting tourists and enthusiasts to experience the thrill of MMA up close. Visitors from all corners of the globe flock to the Cordillera, drawn not only by the breathtaking scenery but by the opportunity to train alongside some of the sport’s most celebrated athletes.
“Right now, we have Mongolian training with us for three weeks,” Sangiao claims.
Amidst the accolade, Team Lakay remains grounded, never forgetting their roots or the values that had guided them on their journey and continue to give back to their community, organizing programs and events to help discover the next MMA star.
Sangiao also added the accreditation is the first of its kind in the country.
“As of April 11, 2024 sa data ng DOT, there are other tourism recreational centers (nationwide) but sa diving, nature, but walang MMA or other gyms, tayo pa lang. I think we are first of its kind not only sa NCR but sa Pilipinas,” added Sangiao.
-TL PR
