Patrick “Pato” Gregorio expressed his gratitude before declaring that he is ready to hit the ground running following his appointment as chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) over the weekend.

The 57-year-old Gregorio said he is thankful to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for pinning his trust and confidence in him, believing that he can pump life into the government agency that funds the development, training and participation of Filipino athletes in major international tournaments.

A recipient of the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Men award in 2003, Gregorio formally became the 13th PSC chief after Marcos accepted the courtesy resignation of Richard “Dickie” Bachmann as part of his “bold reset” entering the second half of his six-year term.

The appointment paper has yet to be released but DAILY TRIBUNE sources claim it will be transmitted to the PSC main office in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Monday, marking Tuesday, 1 July, as Gregorio’s first official day in office.

Still, Gregorio remains thankful, vowing that he will work hard not just to uplift the PSC but also to inspire the national athletes, who are looking to sustain the momentum they gained from their successful campaigns in the previous Summer Olympics in Tokyo and Paris.

“It is my honor and privilege to serve as the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission,” Gregorio, a seasoned sports administrator who heads the Philippine Rowing Association, said in a short message to DAILY TRIBUNE.

“I am grateful for the President’s trust and will do right by it. Let my leadership inspire as I have been inspired by the sheer potential in Philippine sports — to build and to strengthen this proud nation.”

“Karangalan natin magsilbi sa bayan at sa mga atleta ng bayan.”

Tough tasks await Gregorio as he leads the PSC board of commissioners composed of Matthew “Fritz” Gaston, Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres and Edward Hayco.

Aside from making sure that national athletes will be prepared for the coming major international events like the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December and the 20th Asian Games next year, he also has to upgrade government-owned sports facilities in Philsports compound in Pasig City and Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City.

But the most important mission he has to carry out is making sure that he will have a seamless working relationship with key private agencies like the Philippine Olympic Committee, national sports associations, and the MVP Sports Foundation — the biggest private donor in Philippine sports.

He also has to keep an open line with fellow government agencies like Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Department of Education, Department of National Defense, Department of Budget and Management, and Bureau of Customs as well as the Office of the President, Senate and House of Representatives for funding.

It, however, will not be a major problem as Gregorio is armed with a rock-solid background working with officials from both the government and private sectors.

Gregorio said he couldn’t wait to start working.

“We’re now ready to work,” he said.