By Edwin Rollon
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio came away from Malacañang on Thursday with more than just a routine meeting — he received President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s full support for his sports development programs.
“Passing grade,” Gregorio quipped after his over-an-hour-long meeting with the President, which had initially been allotted only 15 minutes.
“President Bongbong Marcos likes the direction we’re going at the PSC. He gave his blessings to pursue all our programs, especially grassroots development at the regional level. He reiterated the need to build sports centers in key areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Gregorio said. “The goal is to build, connect, and inspire champions from every region.”
Gregorio, who replaced Richard Bachmann as PSC chief last month, said all his proposed programs were approved. “Go tayo. Let’s work hand in hand to make it happen,” he added, sharing the President’s message with Commissioner Edward Hayco during the media launch of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Junior Championships at Newport World Resorts, where both were special guests.
One of the initiatives that impressed the President most was Gregorio’s push to establish regional sports centers, starting with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), headed by President Joshua Bingcang and Chairman/CEO Atty. Hilario Paredes.
The plan designates the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac — a key venue during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and home to an Olympic-standard track oval, world-class aquatics facilities, and a modern Athletes’ Village — as the main sports hub for Luzon.
“Hangga’t may lupang pag-aari ang BCDA, tatayuan natin ng sports facilities,” Gregorio said in jest during the MOU signing at BCDA’s Taguig office.
He outlined a nationwide rollout of training centers — from Ilocos Norte in the north, to Rizal in Pasig City, Quezon in the south, Eastern Visayas, Mindanao, and even a water sports hub in Siargao. “On top of it all is the development of New Clark City. Let’s hit the ground running,” Gregorio stressed.
Paredes hailed the partnership as a new chapter for Philippine sports. “We have a good synergy to build and rebuild the sports centers the PSC has long envisioned. Our efforts will produce so much more,” he said.
