Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio lauded the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team for their valiant effort despite a 5-1 loss to traditional powerhouse Argentina in the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Gregorio, who assumed the post last July, proudly watched from the stands as the Filipina5 kept Argentina goalless throughout the entire second half. The effort was highlighted by Isabella Bandoja’s 28th-minute strike, which sent the majority of the 2,811 fans in attendance into wild celebration.
The longtime sports executive spoke with the team immediately after the match, delivering a message that resonated with Filipino fans who had cheered the squad’s memorable, albeit brief, tournament run, urging the players to aim even higher.
“I was looking at Team Argentina. Nothing is different, same size, same physique. The only thing that’s different is they’ve been doing it for 50 years. But if we put our minds and hearts into this, can we do it? Yes,” he said.
“Because I believe in you, you have to believe, too. And if you believe, 112 million Filipinos will believe. And we’re proud of you.”
(C) PSC
Since the tournament began on November 21, the University of the Philippines alumnus and Bachelor of Tourism graduate has been a constant presence at the inaugural World Cup matches. His frequent visits to the Philsports Arena underscored his strong commitment to sports tourism, and he made sure to personally congratulate Coach Rafa Merino’s squad for their performance.
“This is historic, right? We hosted the first-ever FIFA (Futsal) Women’s World Cup. And we played so well,” Gregorio told the team.
Throughout his career, Gregorio has been deeply involved in Philippine sports, from his days in the UAAP with his alma mater, to his tenure with the legendary Talk ’N Text in the PBA, and his presidency of the Philippine Rowing Association.
Engaging with local and international sports leaders is routine for the executive, and the World Cup provided him an opportunity to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss strategies for advancing futsal and football in the Philippines.
“We admit that football is the number one sport in the world. But how come we cannot engage and convince 112 million Filipinos to play the sport? How come football is not in the top three sports in the Philippines?” Gregorio said.
He added that Infantino promised FIFA’s support to help elevate football into a top-three sport in the country, in collaboration with the PSC and the Philippine Football Federation.
In his parting words to the Filipina5, Gregorio reminded them that the sky is only the beginning, pointing to Carlos Yulo’s journey from obscurity to winning two Olympic gold medals as an example.
“One day, it will be Philippine futsal and football’s turn to reach that type of summit,” he said, emphasizing that confidence, combined with support from various stakeholders, can bring the country to new heights.
