Sports executive John Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio’s familiarity with the Philippine sports landscape will help him encourage change and promote international competitions on local soil.
The 57-year-old Gregorio said this after he assumed the chairmanship of the Philippine Sports Commission from Richard Bachmann on Tuesday.
Gregorio said he hopes that the country will be able to host more international meets, just like the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and the 2025 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships all slated this year.
“Sports and tourism. Good combination iyan. Hopefully, we can work directly with the Department of Tourism in trying to organize more international events. (I want to) Bring international events over, so the Philippines can host, and the athletes can compete,” said Gregorio following a ceremonial turnover with outgoing PSC chief Richard Bachmann at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The former secretary-general of the Philippine Olympic Committee feels that his closeness in working with people involved will help make things happen smoothly.
“Alam ko ang mga issue at problema ng mga atleta, dahil naging secretary-general na ako ng POC. Alam ko na ang puso natin ay sa sports. Lahat ay mahal ang sports. Pagkakaiba lang ay kung naiintindihan mo ang problema,” added Gregorio.
Gregorio later spent the afternoon meeting with the board members of the PSC. He also attended the weekly session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.
His extensive experience as sports executive includes not only his being secretary general of the POC, but his presidency at the Philippine Rowing Association, and as secretary general of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines.
“What I can promise you, is to expect big changes. And don’t expect anything less than an exciting and vibrant transformation,” added Gregorio, who will be the 13th head of the sports agency.
Gregorio was also chairman Philippine Basketball Association board and a member of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive board.
