Instead of meeting them one by one, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio would meet heads of national sports associations (NSAs) in a general assembly (GA) on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The 57-year-old Gregorio is currently in Baguio City inspecting the facilities at Teacher’s Camp and having all the NSAs in one venue is going to be more practical.
“As a chairman, a lot of NSAs are making courtesy calls. For me, doing it one-by-one could be a hassle for them since they have to worry about other things like parking,” said Gregorio, who formally assumed the PSC chairmanship last Tuesday.
“In my years in Philippine sports and several NSAs, I already know what they will ask me since I was saying the same things back then. The general assembly is an opportunity for me to meet and greet them.”
“I am inviting the NSA presidents, the secretary generals, and the athletes because I want to hear out their problems and ideas so that we could put it together.
A few days into his term, Gregorio wasted no time as he inspected the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
“My actions have to be as fast as how I reply to my texts,” Gregorio said.
With the Philippines hosting several competitions in 2025 as well as preparing for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games from 9 to 20 December in Thailand, Gregorio will need to hear out all of the athletes’ concerns.
For starters, the Philippines will host the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship from 12 to 28 September.
Then, the Batang Pinoy National Championships will be in General Santos City from 25 to 31 October.
There is also the 3rd Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships from 20 to 24 November.
Gregorio is also asking for the help of other government agencies as he looks to improve PSC to better serve the athletes.
As for his previous post as president of the Philippine Rowing Association, Gregorio is confident that it will remain functional even without him at the helm.
“I need the help of the PSC and other agencies of the government to improve our facilities because that’s what our President Marcos wants us to improve so the athletes won’t get hurt,” Gregorio said.
“Even if I’m gone, even if I’m transferred, even if my term is over, just follow the work program. We are ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified.”