Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was left smiling from ear to ear on Friday after presiding over the turnover of gym equipment to members of the national team at Teacher’s Camp in Baguio City.
“I saw in the faces of our national athletes that they’re smiling and excited. If they are happy, I am happy,” Gregorio said.
“We will not stop making our athletes happy — lahat ito para sa kanila,” said Gregorio, who assumed office on 1 July.
The donation was made by the MVP Sports Foundation of Manny V. Pangilinan.
Also in attendance during the handover was Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aira Villegas, who welcomed the arrival of the equipment.
“I trained here for many years when the equipment was old and outdated. We will not waste it. We will continue improving our training for the country,” Villegas said.
Gregorio, who boasts 20 years of experience as a national sports association (NSA) leader, made one of the biggest moves as PSC chief by increasing the monthly allowances of national team athletes and coaches by P5,000.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just the amount — it’s the gesture. The PSC and the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee), we want to take care of the athletes,” Gregorio said.
“We have a total of around 82 NSAs. If we take good care of them, they will also take good care of our athletes.”