THE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), headed by Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, is keeping its focus on the three things that matter most in sports development.
Gregorio, who was voted as “Executive of the Year” by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA)
for his tremendous work as head of the government sports agency in sports, said the three things are “athletes’ welfare, strategic infrastructure development and sports tourism.”
“The PSC and its staff are enablers, not gatekeepers, not disciplinarians. The PSC’s success is not just about single authorship. We let all sectors participate in what we want to do, and that is our secret,” said Gregorio during the 2026 San Miguel Corp.-PSA Annual Awards at the Diamond Hotel Manila held last Monday night.
“I already had a plan. Alam ko na kung ano ang aking gagawin, paano gagawin at gagawin ng mabilis. I have been committed and focused on three things since that day: athletes’ welfare, strategic infrastructure development and sports tourism,” added Gregorio during the awards dinner presented by the PSA, the country’s oldest media organization and supported by the PSC, San Miguel Corporation and ArenaPlus.
Gregorio, who took over the government sports agency in July 2024,said he was determined to create “an enabling environment that creates opportunities for athletes. Let the athletes be in the limelight. They are our compass. For when our athletes succeed, we know we have succeeded.”
“Sinabi ko na po ito minsan na dapat maging maligaya ang ating mga atleta para maligaya din ang 150 million Filipinos. Pinatunayan na ito ni Hidilyn Diaz. Pinatunayan na nito ni Caloy (Yulo),” added Gregorio, who attended the gala event also supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity, alongside PSC commissioners Fritz Gzston, Bong Coo and Walter Torres and executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy.
Gregorio also said the PSC now has more than ample resources, thanks to his fellow PSA awardee Yeng Guiao.
He noted that the Supreme Court victory of Guiao, who filed the petition demanding that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office comply with Republic Act 6847, is also a victory for the Filipino athletes.
Guiao, for his part, said his legal victory is his biggest achievements in both his sports and political career.
“This is a lasting legacy I’d like to leave to my family. Minsan lang ito mangyayari. I don’t think this can be repeated again,” said Guiao, who was honored by the PSA with the prestigious President’s Award.
“But I always believe that you honor your parents through the person you become. So I’d like to honor my parents with this award. And I’d like all of you to share it because I know you’re here because you love sports,” added Guiao, a champion coach with Rain or Shine.
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