By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has vowed to carry out the directives of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to further strengthen sports in the country — both at the elite and grassroots levels.
While winning more medals and raising the country’s profile on the international stage remain key priorities, Gregorio stressed that enhancing grassroots programs and promoting a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos are just as important.
“Mas maraming ginto, mas maraming panalo. Pero let us also give service to the 110 million Filipinos to become healthy citizens. We need to help everybody be involved in sports,” said Gregorio during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, July 1.
Gregorio specifically aims to empower national athletes and further elevate Philippine sports, emphasizing that progress in sports reflects broader national progress.
“Expect changes, of course. But don’t expect anything less than a vibrant and exciting transformation,” said Gregorio, following the formal turnover of leadership by his predecessor, Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, that same day.
“I just had a good endorsement chat with my good friend Dickie. We’ve known each other since our PBA days, so marami kaming pinagsamahan. At sabi ko, pagbigyan mo ako na i-text ka paminsan-minsan para malaman natin kung paano itutuloy yung programang tinatag mo sa PSC,” he added.
A familiar figure in Philippine sports, Gregorio also said that a few fine-tuning and tweaks are needed for many of the programs already in place.
In addition to improving the quality of athletes and sports programs, Gregorio also aims to enhance sports facilities and increase private sector involvement.
He also plans to prioritize sports tourism, recognizing the country’s successful hosting of major international competitions—most notably the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
PH sports has enjoyed a golden era in recent years, marked by the country’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games from weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, and a historic double-gold performance by gymnast Carlos Yulo at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
