General Santos City in the Philippines has begun tightening its oversight of pickleball facilities as the sport continues to surge in popularity, launching inspections to ensure operators are properly licensed and compliant with local business requirements.
The City Mayor’s Office–Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD) rolled out “Operation Pickleball Hunt,” a campaign aimed at checking courts, facilities, and operators for valid permits. While the city welcomed the boom in pickleball-related businesses, officials stressed that compliance with local regulations is non-negotiable.
“We are happy that there are businesses like these coming into our city,” said Atty. Rowi Arbilon P. Malayag, head of the BPLD, in a local radio interview. “But operators must make sure their permits and licenses are updated and properly displayed to avoid disruptions or even legal action.”
Malayag acknowledged pickleball’s growing appeal among residents, noting its popularity as both recreation and stress relief. He added that inspections are not only about paperwork but also about ensuring facilities are safe for players and that businesses are legitimate.
Initial findings revealed that around 40 pickleball operators in the city are running without valid permits. Only 11 establishments have secured proper documentation so far.
Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao emphasised that the initiative is not purely punitive. The city is also offering assistance to operators who need help securing or updating their permits. Owners may visit the BPLD’s temporary office at Dadiangas West Central Elementary School, open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for inquiries and guidance on requirements.
As pickleball’s popularity continues to spread across General Santos, the city’s message is clear: growth is welcome, but it must be built on compliance and safety.
