New PSC chairman Pato Gregorio vows to prioritize athlete welfare, fast-track processes, and maximize the agency's budget to prepare for several major international events this year.
Newly appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio is setting the tone for his leadership by placing athletes at the heart of the agency’s priorities, while pledging to improve sports facilities and fast-track administrative processes.
Gregorio officially replaced Richard “Dickie” Bachmann and assumes the post at a crucial time, with the Philippines preparing for major international events, including the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, and the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
Speaking on Radyo Pilipinas 2' PSC Hour, Gregorio underscored a three-point agenda: prioritizing athletes’ welfare, ensuring timely allowances and nutritional needs, and streamlining communications between athletes and the agency.
“Tatlo lang po muna. Number one, the welfare of the athletes. That means 'yung kanilang allowance. Number two, 'yung kanilang food and nutrition. Number three, 'yung kanilang pag-contact sa’tin,” Gregorio said.
Known for his administrative experience, including stints as former PBA chairman and president of the Philippine Rowing Association, Gregorio is wasting no time. He instructed staff to clear pending documents daily, emphasizing swift, no-delay governance.
“I can sign any day, morning, afternoon, evening. I can even sign Saturday or Sunday. Huwag lang ho ma-pending,” he said.
The PSC’s P1.3-billion budget for 2025 will be fully utilized, Gregorio assured, rejecting the idea of unspent funds when athlete needs remain unmet.
“Sa’kin po, 'yang perang 'yan ay nilaan para sa atleta… so dapat natin gastusin ng tama para maramdaman ng atleta 'yung kanilang ginhawa while they are training and sacrificing for the country,” he stressed.
Renovations are already underway at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, including the track & field oval, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and Rizal Memorial Coliseum. But Gregorio emphasized the urgency of accelerating both cleanups and major facility improvements.
“'Yung basurang tinabi mo sa kabilang kanto, basura pa rin. So, kung puwede nang i-dispose, i-dispose na natin kasi eyesore yan. Alam niyo naman pag atleta, dapat ang nakikita niyan laging maaliwalas, laging masaya. Kasama sa psychology ng atleta 'yan eh,” Gregorio explained.
He also committed to expediting procurement processes and tapping the Office of the President, PAGCOR, and private sponsors for bigger investments where needed.
With a packed calendar and a short runway leading up to the SEA Games, Gregorio is rallying his team and stakeholders to act with urgency.
“Sa dami ng hosting natin, dami ng international tournaments na sasalihan natin, sabi ko nga sa listahan palang mapapagod ka na eh, kaya kailangan talagang paspasan. We have to make sure that everybody is focused, everybody will work as one team para mapabilis po ito,” he said.
“Kailangan kung gaano ka-bilis sa pag-sagot sa text, ganun rin ka-bilis 'yung aksyon.”