By Edwin Rollon
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio is steering the government sports agency beyond its traditional mandate, championing reforms that position sports not only as a competitive platform but also as a driver of tourism and economic growth.
Gregorio, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July, said the PSC must evolve with the times — even backing amendments to certain provisions of the PSC law to better align with modern sports realities.
“Sports is not only competition — it’s also business. It’s about return on investment,” Gregorio said during a newly formed sports forum hosted by multi-media awardee Bill Velasco at Wolfgang's Steakhouse - Gateway 2 Mall.
“Gone are the days when PSC was just a budget-disbursing agency. Today, it’s a different ballgame,” he added.
Gregorio explained that the PSC now encourages national sports associations to host international competitions, providing not only financial assistance but also organizational support to ensure world-class staging. The goal: generate revenue that returns to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) to bankroll more grassroots and elite programs.
“We have to use sports as an economic machine. When there’s an international event, tourists come. Local businesses benefit — hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops. Sports create jobs,” he said.
In his first seven months at the helm, the Philippines hosted major events, including the World Women’s Volleyball tournament and the LIV Golf Championship won by local hero Miguel Tabuena. The revitalization of the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex as a global sporting hub drew top-tier athletes like Filipino tennis phenom Alex Eala for a Women’s Tennis Association 125 event.
Gregorio also emphasized stronger collaboration with the private sector and local government units.
Among those present at the forum presented by Wolfgang Steakhouse were Resto PH’s Eric Teng; Obstacle Course chief Atty. Al Agra; sepak takraw head Karen Tanchanco; University of the Philippines Human Kinetics dean and incoming National Academy of Sports executive director Kiko Diaz, and Passi City. Iloilo Mayor Stephen Palmares.
Palmares credited sports tourism for Passi City’s economic rise.
“Because of sports tourism, we were promoted from a fourth-class to a third-class city,” Palmares said, citing the city’s hosting of major events such as the PBA All-Star Weekend and regional athletic meets.
Teng echoed the sentiment, describing sports as a “man-made tourist attraction.”
“You don’t need a waterfall or a white sand beach. Create a sporting event, and tourists will come,” Teng said.
Gregorio also welcomed Administrative Order No. 38, which created the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee composed of the Department of Tourism as vice chair, along with the DILG, DBM, TIEZA, and PAGCOR.
“The biggest tourism events are sports. This collaboration is a major step forward,” he said.
On proposed amendments to the PSC law — enacted in 1990 — Gregorio said the inclusion of professional athletes should be seriously considered, noting that professionals have been allowed to compete in the Olympics since 1992.
“Our policies must adapt to the changing landscape of sports,” he said.
