New PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio stepped into the spotlight with a promise — he’s all in for Philippine sports, and all he wants in return are more gold medals for the country.
“Walang dead end sa pangarap. And ang pangarap natin eh mas maraming ginto and service to the 110 million Filipinos,” said Gregorio during Tuesday’s Philippine Sports Association (PSA) Forum, held at the packed conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Gregorio faced the media just days after the official turnover of the PSC flag from outgoing chairman Richard Bachmann, who had led the agency since December 2022.
His appointment papers from Malacañang were released earlier this week.
“Am I excited? Yes. Am I happy? Yes. It’s very difficult to say no to the Republic of the Philippines. Hindi madali itong gagampanan nating role para sa Philippine sports and sa taong bayan,” said Gregorio.
A veteran corporate executive and longtime sports advocate, Gregorio has been instrumental in supporting basketball, boxing, rowing, and various other sports disciplines over the years. He expressed confidence that — with the cooperation of major stakeholders — progress in Philippine sports is achievable.
“I feel grateful and privileged for the chance to rise to the occasion. I am your lucky 13th chairman of the PSC. Don’t expect anything less,” he said at the forum, presented by San Miguel Corporation, the PSC, the Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app, ArenaPlus.
Gregorio outlined his vision for the PSC, emphasizing the need to empower and inspire national athletes, build strong links between sports and economic development, and promote a healthier Filipino citizenry.
He also expressed hope that the country can sustain and build upon the remarkable achievements of its national athletes in the global arena, such as the three gold medals won in the last two Olympic Games — one by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and two by gymnast Carlos Yulo.
However, Gregorio stressed the importance of giving equal support to non-Olympic sports.
“Parang laging may tug-of-war sa Olympic sports and non-Olympic sports. Non-Olympic sports are equally important,” he said, proposing the creation of a foundation dedicated to supporting all Philippine sports, regardless of medal count.
“A foundation para continuous funding, hindi lang kapag nananalo. Then all those in the private sector who want to help can come together,” he added, noting that he plans to meet with all National Sports Associations (NSAs) and athletes in the near future.
“In the next two years, I promise you I will do my best. That’s what I told the PSC employees. Pero hindi pwedeng ako lang ang pagod. And if we perform well, pati ang taong bayan papalakpakan tayo.”
When asked about his outlook on the PSC’s relationship with the Philippine Olympic Committee, Gregorio kept it short and confident:
“Automatic. Matic ‘yan.”
