The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
“Ang pangarap ng madaming mga Pilipino na manalo ng madaming ginto sa sports ay pangarap ko din.”
Thus said newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio in his first official appearance at the Philippine Sports Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
He vowed to give his best to achieve his one and only goal: Win 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, who was formally appointed as head of the government sports agency effective July 1.
He takes the place of chairman Richard Bachmann, who served the government sports agency since December, 2022.
“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 at sa taong bayan,” said Gregorio, who will serve as the 13th chairman of the PSC.
“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 in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
Gregorio, whose long experience includes serving as head of basketball, boxing and rowing, is confident he can achieve his goal with the help of the major stakeholders in sports..
The 57-year-old graduate of tourism at UP Asian Institute of Tourism, said he wants the PSC to enable and inspire the national athletes; provide a strong link between sports and economic development; and promote a healthy citizenry.
He also wished that the country could sustain the tremendous achievements of the national athletes in the international arena, leading to three gold medals (one by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and two by gymnast Carlos Yulo) in the last two Olympics.
Gregorio, however, stressed that non-Olympic sports should also get the same attention and support from the government funding arm in sports.
“Parang laging may tug-of-war sa Olympic sports and non-Olympic sports. Non-Olympic sports are equally important,” said Gregorio, who is set to sit down with NSA heads and even the athletes soon.
“A foundation para continuous funding hindi lang kapag nananalo. Then all those in the private sector who want to help can come together,” said Gregorio,
“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,” he said.