PATRICK “Pato” Gregorio, the newly appointed chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, said he is honored to lead the agency, committed to advancing the country’s sports development programs.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve as Chair of the Philippine Sports Commission. I am grateful for the President’s trust and will do right by it,” said Gregorio. “Let my leadership inspire, as I have been inspired by the sheer potential in Philippine sports, to build and to strengthen this proud nation. Karangalan ko ang magsilbi sa bayan.”
Gregorio succeeds Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, who led the PSC since 2023. There is a plan to have the turnover ceremony on Tuesday.
Known for his dynamic leadership across various sports organizations, Gregorio previously served as chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association and is currently the president of the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA). One of his notable accomplishments includes reviving the iconic Tour of Luzon cycling event, once a premier race in Asia.
His leadership has also produced Olympic-caliber results. Under his watch, Filipino rowers Cris Nievarez and Joanie Delgaco qualified for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, respectively.
In addition, Gregorio played an integral role in Philippine basketball, having served the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and as deputy chef de mission to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the country captured two gold medals, highlighted by gymnastics star Carlos Yulo.
As the new PSC chairman, Gregorio faces a pivotal challenge ahead — steer the national sports program to success in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and lay the groundwork for stronger performances in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We have a lot of work to do, but I believe in our athletes and the system we can build around them,” he said.
He also confirmed that the PRA is set to hold elections to select his successor, now that he has assumed leadership at the PSC. “We need to elect a PRA president soon—probably in July,” Gregorio noted.
