Newly appointed Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio has assumed chairmanship following a ceremonial turnover at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. PSC/Facebook
MANILA — Newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chief Pato Gregorio on Friday emphasized his plans to expand and institutionalize the agency's partnerships with the private sector as he begins his tenure.
"We have proven to our kababayans na 'yung success ng sunod-sunod nating mga medalya ay dahil talagang tumulong ang corporate sponsors at mga kaibagan sa private sector para matulungan ang training [ng athletes]," Gregorio told ANC's Headstart.
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Gregorio, who took his oath on Wednesday, cited the Filipino athletes' performances in the last 2 Olympics, crediting it to the support of corporations.
"Now that I'm the chair of PSC, gayahin na lang natin, palakihin, and all these big corporations, companies involved in sports, pagsamahin na lang natin under one foundation," he said.
"Tatlong ginto na ang Pilipinas in a span of 2 Olympic cycles, yan ay sapat na basehan na if we do this bigger, if we do it right, if we continue to align with private sector, then mapapabuti pa natin, mapapalaki pa natin ito," Gregorio added.
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Gregorio believes the private sector would not hesitate to support the program since the idea already had a "proven track record, proof of concept."
"That will work dahil alam nila saan papunta pera nila, paano gamitin, and alam nila merong proven track record [tulad ng ginawa ng] MVP Sports Foundation," he said.
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Gregorio also said that representatives of the private sectors or sponsors would be part of the leadership of the proposed entity so can manage directly their contributions.
"They will be part of that foundation, part of board, tayo sa PSC, tayo ang taga-monitor, enabler... Sisiguraduhin lang ang pondo ay napupunta sa tamang programa at atleta," he said
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Meanwhile, Gregorio said he is set to meet with athletes and other sports officials to discuss a proposed "national championship in every sport."
"Yes, people say na meron nang Palarong Pambansa, may Batang Pinoy, pero pag in-analyze natin, napuputol yung pagiging atleta ng bata because pagpunta sa college, hindi naman lahat may sport sa UAAP and other university programs," he explained.
"So gumaling sila nung bata mula elementary and high school, pero hindi na nila nagagawa sa kolehiyo. Humihinto sila or they transfer to another sport. Sayang," Gregorio added.
The PSC chief said he would meet with officials of UAAP, NCAA, and other organizations for them to introduce "more sports" in their programming.
He is optimistic that such program may be launched "as early as the first quarter of 2026."
Gregorio said he would also like to focus on the athletes' welfare, particularly their nutrition as well as easier access to their allowances.
"Wag na nating pahirapan o i-delay [ang allowances]," he said.
He also noted that the PSC has a mandate to promote "healthy citizenry" and he would like to tap the DILG to craft programs intended to all Filipinos.
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