December SEA Games in Thailand and 2028 LA Olympics are priorities for PSC’s Patrick Gregorio

NEWLY INSTALLED Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will take over the government sports-funding agency hoping to accomplish one goal in mind — ride on the momentum of Philippine sports’ golden era.

“Let my leadership inspire as I have been inspired by the sheer potential in Philippine sports—to build and to strengthen this proud nation,” said Mr. Gregorio, who has recently taken over Richard Bachmann as PSC chief.

Mr. Gregorio thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and vowed to reciprocate the latter’s faith in him.

“It is my honor and privilege to serve as the chair of the PSC. I am grateful for the president’s trust and will do right by it,” he said.” It is an honor to serve the country and the national athletes.

Mr. Gregorio said he would officially report for duty on Tuesday and one of his first things he would do is to immediately give up his post as Philippine Rowing Association head as to avoid conflict of interest.

“I need to give up the rowing presidency,” said the former PBA chair and Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation president.

He is also mulling bringing in people to help him in charting the country’s program for the future.

“Need to review the present organization before we bring in new faces to help us,” he said.

Some of the tasks that should be a priority for Mr. Gregorio are the country’s campaign in this December’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics where the country hopes to rake in more gold medals.

He will also come in at a time when the country is experiencing its finest hours in sports having produced world and Olympic champions in weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and gymnast Carlos Yulo and world class athletes like pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, the country’s boxers headed by Nesthy Petecio and, most recently, Alex Eala, who had a historic runner-up finish in Lexus Eastbourne Open, a strong WTA event, a day ago.

Philippine Olympic Committee Chief Abraham Tolentino, for his part, welcomed the appointment of Mr. Gregorio, whom he worked with as co-chef de mission of the Nationals that saw action in the Paris Games last year.

“I see a sports community that works harmoniously,” said the Tagaytay City Mayor and PhilCycling chief. — Joey Villar