By Edwin Rollon
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given him a clear directive: use sports as a gateway to boost Philippine tourism.
“The next big thing in tourism is sports,” Gregorio said Thursday during the turnover of a brand-new 29-seater Golden Dragon Coaster acquired through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) E-Marketplace.
“No less than President Marcos and the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism recognize sports as one of the most powerful tools in driving tourism,” he added.
Gregorio shared that in a recent tourism council meeting in Malacañang, government and private sector stakeholders agreed on strengthening the country’s sports tourism program.
“Ngayon pa lang, usap-usapan na sa Malacañang kung paano makakakuha ng tiket para sa 2029 hosting ng World Women’s Volleyball,” he said.
Following the country’s successful hosting of the FIVB World Men’s Championship, Filipino fans are set for another treat with the upcoming International Series Philippines, scheduled for October 22–25 at Sta. Elena Golf Club in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The elite field will likely be headlined by major champions Bubba Watson, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, and Louis Oosthuizen.
The Philippines is also gearing up to host the World Juniors Artistic Gymnastics Championships and the FIFA Women’s Futsal Championships, underscoring the nation’s growing reputation as a global sports hub.
Gregorio emphasized the importance of building more international-standard facilities, sports centers, and high-end venues to attract world-class competitions.
“We need cooperation from both the private and government sectors,” he stressed.
He noted that the PSC has already begun collaborating with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and several local government units to develop regional sports centers and world-class venues fit for global tournaments.
“Itaas po natin ang antas ng PSC as a brand—like FIBA, FIVB, IOC—para respetuhin tayo. Hindi lang tayo isang ahensiya; we should be proud of the PSC, with integrity and honesty,” Gregorio said. “Until the end of my term, you can be assured that our resources will be used properly for the athletes and the Filipino people.”
He also assured athletes that their welfare will not be delayed by bureaucracy.
“Mas bagong sasakyan na ang mga atleta, may tatlong units pa tayong inorder, and next week darating na ang bago ninyong tracksuit,” he announced.
Finally, Gregorio hinted at a major sports development in Southeast Asia through his ongoing talks with newly appointed Indonesian Sports Minister Erick Thohir, whom he described as “a very close friend.”
“Secret muna, pero nakausap ko na siya,” Gregorio quipped.
