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| Dickie Bachmann formally turned the PSC flag over to Pato Gregorio, signaling the change in leadership. PSC |
MANILA—If given a chance, new Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio would want to hold a national championship for each sport.
Gregorio, who finally took office on Tuesday, after his appointment was formalized the day before, said in his first press conference under his new role that, given huge support, he would push through with the said proposal.
"I cannot give you the details yet, but let me give you an idea of what we want to do. Napakaraming NSAs (national sports associations) natin. Kung tayo'y mabibigyan ng pondo, resources, at suporta ng private sector--and I've mentioned this to few commissioners--ang gusto ko talagang itaguyod is a national championship per NSA. NSAs, you've been very busy taking care of your athletes. Can we do something as far as a national championship?" Gregorio, the former rowing president, said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC Conference Room at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
He also said that he plans to hold regionals as well, so the national opens can reach out to more athletes who want to showcase their skills as well, and they can serve as major boosts to grassroots sports.
"Palagay nyo ba, yung region na may team si governor at si mayor, papabayaan yung team nila? Then you see genuine grassroots development. Pag-aaralan nating mabuti yan," Gregorio further said.
While Gregorio is still acknowledging the impact of Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy in grassroots sports, he is confident that the national opens would be resounding successes as well.
"Palagay ko, kaya nating gumawa ng Philippine championship sa bawat sport. Kung paano gagawin, pag-usapan natin," Gregorio continued.
Despite putting more premium on improving sports at the grassroots level, Gregorio said that he is also looking at a situation where professional athletes, especially those from the "Big 4" leagues like the PBA, PVL, PFL, and MPL Philippines, could be allowed to join.
Some NSAs, like the Philippine Football Federation and the defunct Basketball Association of the Philippines, had done national championships in the past, but clubs from top-flight leagues emerged as champions almost all the time.
"Definitely, it's a framework that we need to discuss with the NSAs. We're trying to analyze kung anong gusto nating magampanan dito, that is, of course, grassroots development," the former PBA board chairman further said.
"I cannot answer yet if we will allow pro athletes, but we will soon figure that out."
Gregorio also said that he plans to talk to the NSAs in the coming weeks to further elaborate on his proposal.
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