John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, July 1, 2025. Photo from Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763559083138pato.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick &quot;Pato&quot; Gregorio at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, July 1, 2025. Photo from Philippine Sports Commission/Facebook</div>MANILA — The Philippines is sending its biggest delegation yet for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.And for Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio, pouring resources into sports is in no way a liability—but an investment, as the country sustains its rise in the sporting landscape.For Gregorio, athletes&#x27; participation in the SEA Games would serve as kickstart or boost to their respective athletic careers, giving them the much-needed exposure on the international stage.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2025/11/17/alas-men-now-in-taiwan-for-sea-games-training-camp-1659">READ: Alas Men now in Taiwan for SEA Games training camp</a></div>Around 1,600 athletes would wear the national tri-colors at the SEA Games in Thailand from December 9-20.&quot;In the next two weeks, we&#x27;re leaving for the Southeast Asian Games. We&#x27;re sending the biggest delegation. Ang sinasabi ng iba, &#x27;bakit ang laki-laki, hindi naman lahat yan magmemedalya?&#x27;&quot; said Gregorio at the sidelines of the opening press conference for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships on Wednesday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom within the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.&quot;But let us try to understand, step back, and try to realize. Hindi ba SEA Games ang pinakaunang international event na pwedeng laruan ang mga atleta natin?  If we don&#x27;t give them a chance there, kailan sila lalaban? Sa Asian Games? Sa Olympics?&quot; Gregorio went on.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/11/17/poc-chief-sees-uphill-battle-in-sea-games-eyes-matching-2023-medal-tally-2222">READ: POC chief sees uphill battle in SEA Games, eyes matching 2023 medal tally</a></div>&quot;[What if] hindi na sila mag-Asian Games, Olympics. Kaya ito, hindi lang gintong medalya ang bilangan dito, [kung hindi] gaano rin karami ang exposure na binibigay natin sa mga batang atleta natin,&quot; he added.PSC chair reiterated his message since ascending to the position—that sports and tourism are major drivers for the economy.The Philippines is the host of the ongoing Baler International Pro 2025 in Aurora, the Junior Gymfest starting Thursday, and the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women&#x27;s World Cup commencing on November 21.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/11/3/poc-chief-hopes-team-ph-can-maintain-ranking-in-sea-games-1957">READ: POC chief hopes Team PH can maintain ranking in SEA Games</a></div>The country was also the host of the recent 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men&#x27;s World Championship.&quot;World futsal, world gymnastics, world surfing, all the world tournaments we can host. It&#x27;s good news. &#x27;Di ba? We showcase the beauty of the Philippines. We inspire the youth to really train well because they&#x27;re wearing the Philippine flag. It&#x27;s a beautiful story, &#x27;di ba, na ang sports ay isa sa mga economic drivers ng bansa natin—sports and tourism,&quot; said Gregorio.&quot;I&#x27;ve been saying this again and again. The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events... Hindi po siya gastos. Investment po ang sports para sa bayan natin. Investment po ang sports para sa tourism sector natin. We can really showcase the beauty of this country.&quot;

For Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Patrick Gregorio, pouring resources into sports is in no way a liability—but an investment, as the country sustains its rise and exposure in the sporting landscape.

For Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Patrick Gregorio, pouring resources into sports is in no way a liability—but an investment, as the country sustains its rise and exposure in the sporting landscape.

PSC chair vows full support for PH's biggest delegation yet for SEA Games

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PSC chair vows full support for PH's biggest delegation yet for SEA Games

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 19, 2025 10:24 PM PHT

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Southeast Asian Games

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Patrick Gregorio

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