WITH barely three years left in his new post, Philippine Sports Commission chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio vowed yesterday to initiate “big changes and a vibrant, exciting transformation” for the PSC while focusing on three priorities that he says should continue to be addressed.
“Don’t expect anything less,” Gregorio said after simple turnovers rites with outgoing PSC chief Richard “Dickie” Bachman at the PSC headquarters inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate.
“No. 1, of course, is to enable our national athletes. When we tell them na lumaban para sa bayan, dapat malaman natin ang kanyang kapakanan,” said the former Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general and rowing head.
Gregorio said second is “raising the standards of our sport, let us leverage local sports for economic development. Progresibo ang bayan, progresibo din ang sports, and vice versa.
“Sports is not merely entertainment, so let’s do this.”
The third, he said, is keeping the PSC’s mandate in promoting and nurturing a “healthy citizenry.”
“Bigya natin ng pagkakataon na ang pagsilbihan ng PSC ang taong bayan and its vibrancy. If we can excite local government units, if we can excite the people in the provinces, that is grassroots,” Gregorio stressed.
After he met with Bachmann, his sentiments and plans were reechoed during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC conference room, adding he can only do this with the help of the PSC staff and its four commissioners.
“Importante sa akin ‘yung tulong of the men and women of the Philippine Sports Commission. Walang away, walang tampuhan I will make sure that we do that,” said Gregorio in the program backed by the PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, Milo and gaming portal ArenaPlus.
Along this line, he said that he would propose that he and the commissioners occasionally hold their board meetings out of town for a better appreciation of what the athletes need and gain feedback from LGU officials as well.
“Dapat na pakinggan ‘yung gusto nila (LGUs) at paano tayo makikipagtulungan,” Gregorio said.
He urged a more dynamic and responsive PSC, saying: “Dapat mag-ambag tayo, magpakapagod tayo para naman palakpakan naman tayo.”
Gregorio was aware that the last six months of the PSC for the year would be hectic, citing the three international meets in volleyball, football and gymnastics it would be hosting, on top of the country’s preparations for the 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.
“Let’s prepare for the SEA Games, let’s prepare for the world tournaments we’re hosting, let’s prepare for the LA Olympics (in 2028) so we can surpass our two golds (in Paris), but let’s prepare this early. Umambag po tayo,” he underscored.
“It is not about me as chairman; it is about the organization and the commission. Aambag tayo, magpapakapagod tayo, (para) papalakpakan naman tayo. that is my message,” the new PSC chief said.
“What is important is we enjoy the work we will be doing; laro’t saya, which is what it is all about.
“Walang dead end sa pangarap. Ang pangarap natin ay mas maraming ginto and service to the 110 million Filipinos,” he said.
Gregorio’s appointment papers from Malacanang were released the other day.
“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 and sa taong bayan,” said Gregorio.
“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.
