THE appointment of Patrick “Pató” Gregorio is more than a breath of fresh air for Philippine sports, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino. “Our gratitude to our beloved President [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.],” Tolentino said yesterday, a day after news of Gregorio’s appointment was confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to Malacañang reporters last Saturday. “The POC and PSC can now move forward—a brighter sports community that works harmoniously,” Tolentino said. “Mabuhay ang sports ng Pilipinas!” Gregorio replaced Richard Bachmann to become the third chairman of the government’s sports arm—the first being PBA commissioner Noli Eala—during Marcos’ term. He’s the 13th chairman of the agency that was established in 1990 through Republic Act 6847. Tolentino and Gregorio have gone a long way together in Philippine sports—Tolentino in chess, shooting, muay and cycling before becoming president of the POC and Gregorio in basketball, boxing and basketball before heading the rowing association. In 2018, Tolentino was chairman and Gregorio was secretary-general of the POC. Last year, Tolentino named Gregorio the chef de mission of the national team to the Paris Olympics. Last April, Tolentino, the PhilCycling president, and Gregorio, chairman of DuckWorld PH, collaborated for the very successful “Great Revival” of the Tour of Luzon.” “Finally, unity,” Tolentino said. Bersamin told Palace reporters that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had accepted the courtesy resignation of Bachmann and confirmed Gregorio as his replacement. “It is my honor and privilege to serve as the chair of the Philippine Sports Commission. I am grateful for the President’s trust and will do right by it,” the incoming PSC chief said in a statement issued late Saturday night. “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 ko ang magsilbi sa bayan at sa mga atleta ng bayan,” Gregorio added. Bachmann could not be reached for his response regarding the development at press time, but a reliable source, who declined to be identified, said that he went to his office at the PSC administration building inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex last Saturday to pack up his things once the announcement was made. Gregorio, who is poised to resign as president of the Philippine Rowing Association to avoid a conflict of interest, will have his hands full with the country involved in the hosting of the three major international tournaments in the next six months, kicking off with the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Championship in September. He will also be involved in the PSC’s major programs, including the staging of the Batang Pinoy National Championships in General Santos in October, on top of the Philippine buildup to the 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December. Gregorio is a former hotelier before being wooed by the MVP group sportsman businessman Manny V. Pangilinan. He also served as the alternate PBA board of governors of TNT Tropang Giga, and the chairman of the Duckworth company, which organized the highly successful Tour of Luzon revival. Bachmann will leave behind some milestones since he took over as the PSC chief in December 2022. His name will be associated with the country’s successful hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as well as the government support of the PH contingent to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Filipino athletes had their best outing in the centennial jubilee of the country’s participation in the quadrennial global sports showcase, highlighted by the golden double of gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo and the bronze medals each of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. – With Bong Pedralvez