Manila, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Pato Gregorio delivered a revitalization roadmap and the strategic direction of his administration, convening stakeholders including athletes, coaches, and officials of the National Sports Associations and the Philippine Olympic Committee, Commission on Audit, and lawmakers in a General Assembly held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium today, 8 July 2025.
Gregorio underscored top priorities that the PSC will address under his term: enhancing the welfare of national athletes, professionalizing sports governance and facilities management, and boosting sports tourism in partnership with the Department of Tourism. The sports agency chief also announced a P5,000-increase of national athletes’ and coaches’ allowances, across the board, to take effect in August.
Prior to this, athletes classified as Platinum including Olympic medalists and World Champions, got the highest monthly allowance allocation amounting to P50,000. Meanwhile, athletes under the Training Pool B received the lowest amount of P10,200 based on the scheme. “Most of the athletes still get only around P10,000 per month. Mas mababa po ‘yun sa minimum wage,” Gregorio stated.
Gregorio also vowed to streamline and digitize the processing of disbursing stipends to lessen the turnaround time to five (5) days from what used to be weeks, contingent on timely completion of supporting documents.
He also celebrated the significant milestone toward expanding access to sports facilities with the PSC board approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Sports Training Center through Republic Act 11214.
This act mandates the establishment of the PSTC and prioritizes expanding access to sports facilities outside Metro Manila. Implementation of this act had been stalled since 2019. Gregorio encouraged collaboration among athletes, coaches, and lawmakers in finalizing this project and establishing mechanisms for sustainable operation and maintenance. Gregorio also assured athletes, coaches, and NSA officials that they will be given 24/7 support through the NSA Affairs Office.
“The PSC will not close its doors on athletes in need,” Gregorio said.
He announced further that new training uniforms and proper food assistance for athletes will soon be provided, leveraging his extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality industry to provide quality support for athlete welfare.
For Gregorio, these directions will be accomplished through the collective efforts of the men and women of PSC, the Philippine Olympic Committee, the national and local government units, school-based organizations, and the private sector.
“It should be a rhythm in harmony,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino said, echoing Gregorio’s call for a strengthened collaboration.
Gregorio vowed to empower all facets of governance, internal and external, by developing long-term development programs, innovating resource generation, implementing technology-aided operational improvements, and reactivating tactical sports formations to enable success from the grassroots to elite-level sports.
“I hope you [athletes and coaches] leave this room smiling. We will improve your performance and your lives,” Gregorio ended.
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