When my U.P. AIT classmate Patrick “Pato” Gregorio was appointed chair of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) earlier this year, I was not surprised. This was not simply because of his solid track record in the tourism industry and in sports management, but because I had seen his leadership up close long before he stepped onto the national stage—back in our days at U.P. Diliman.

At U.P., Pato stood out for a rare combination of leadership and genuine warmth. He had an easy way of drawing people in, including our professors, not through force of personality but through sincerity and quiet confidence. Those same qualities were on full display during the recent Senate budget deliberations. As I watched from the gallery, it was clear that senators engaged with him not merely as a resource person, but as someone they trusted. The exchanges felt less like formal interrogation and more like conversations among old friends working toward the shared goal of advancing Philippine sports.

Since assuming the PSC chairmanship in July 2025, Pato has wasted no time. The Commission, under his leadership, has placed renewed emphasis on athlete welfare, including a much-welcomed increase in allowances for national athletes and coaches. These matter deeply to athletes who need stability and support to perform at their best.

What gives me even greater confidence is his push to expand international exposure for young Filipino athletes. By encouraging wider participation in global competitions and exploring opportunities for the Philippines to host world-class sporting events, he is laying the groundwork for long-term excellence, not just short-term medal wins.

I am especially encouraged by his focus on strengthening grassroots sports and aligning sports development with tourism and national growth, something he has often shared even in our AIT group chat. It is a forward-looking vision that recognizes sports as both a platform for excellence and a driver of national pride.

Having known Pato since our college years, I take pride in seeing his leadership translate into real opportunities and recognition for our athletes. With his steady hand at the helm, I am hopeful that Philippine sports will not only earn more medals, but build a stronger, more sustainable future.

Our mentor, Prof. Evangeline Ortiz, is even more forward-looking. She has often envisioned Pato someday leading the Department of Tourism—a prospect that is far from far-fetched, given Pato’s proven capabilities and leadership.