AS newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio prepares to take the lead, former chief Richard Bachman formally thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for giving him the opportunity to serve as head of the government sports agency since 2022.
Gregorio has already accepted the challenge to lead Philippine sports and vowed to do his best following his appointment as the head of the country’s governing body in sports.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve as the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission,” the 57-year-old Gregorio said in a statement.
“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,” added Gregorio while also thanking President Marcos
A recipient of the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Men award in 2003, Gregorio will be the 13th chairman of the PSC — and third under President Marcos since 2022.
His predecessor, Bachmann, also thanked President Marcos for allowing him to be “a part of remarkable milestones in Philippine sports, including country’s impressive performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games and even Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China.”
Bachmann, who submitted his courtesy resignation to President Marcos last month, also takes pride in having “built a strong foundation to optimize the country’s sports landscape.”
He said the proactive participation of Filipino youth in programs like Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games “fills us with hope for a brighter future for Philippine sports.”
The former PBA player-turned-sports executive also said the PSC was also able to empower sports as a tool for inclusivity, recognition, and community development through initiatives, like enabling the potential of all Persons with Disabilities through the Philippine National Para Games.
The PSC was also able to celebrate significant contributions of Women in Sports, mobilize communities through the Laro’t Saya Program, and preserve Filipino culture through Indigenous Peoples Games.
Under Bachmann, the PSC was also able to assist in the successful hosting of prestigious tournaments, such as the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2024 ICF Dragonboat World Championships, as well as the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships, the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, and the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Junior Championships.
“I leave the Philippine Sports Commission with a deep sense of fulfillment. I thank the hardworking men and women of the PSC, our national athletes and coaches, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and everyone who has contributed to uplifting Philippine sports,” said Bachmann.
“I am excited to see the Philippines continue to achieve even greater milestones in the future.I wish my successor, Mr. John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, all the best in continuing the mission we all deeply believe in,” he added.
Bachmann’s statement came three days after Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the appointment of Gregorio in a text message to Malacañang reporters last Saturday.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also welcomed Gregorio’s appointment.
“Our gratitude to our beloved President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.),” said Tolentino when informed about Gregorio’s appointment.
“The POC and PSC can now move forward a brighter sports community that works harmoniously,” Tolentino said. “Mabuhay ang sports ng Pilipinas!”
