Gregorio appointed as new PSC chairman

MANILA, Philippines — Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, current president of the Philippine Rowing Association and head of the new management group at Camp John Hay in Baguio City, has been appointed as new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Gregorio’s appointment in a text message to Malacañang reporters yesterday.

Gregorio will replace sportsman Richard Bachmann, and will become the 13th chairman of the government sports agency, the funding arm for Philippine sports.

The replacement comes after President Marcos accepted Bachmann’s courtesy resignation as part of the government-wide revamp.

Bachmann was appointed PSC chief in December of 2022, replacing former Philippine Basketball Association commissioner and sports broadcasting personality Noli Eala.

Gregorio admitted that his hands are full running the national rowing association and heading the transition team at Camp John Hay. But he said everything should take a backseat as he helps chart the course of Philippine sports in the coming years.

“We will focus on what is most important for Philippine sports and our national athletes,” said Gregorio, a top executive at the MVP Sports Foundation.

The first major task to look forward to for the new PSC chairman is the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December as well winning more gold medals in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Gregorio served the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and now the rowing association, which has produced two Olympians in his term. He acted as Team Philippines’ deputy chef de mission to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the 2024 Paris Olympics where the nation won two golds courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo. — Helen Flores