BAGUIO CITY — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio announced a P20-million donation to the city government in an utter show of the sports agency’s commitment to sports development.
Gregorio made the announcement during flag-raising rites at City Hall in the Summer Capital on Monday.
Gregorio described the mountain hideaway as a “transformative city,” saying that the key to successful transformation is conviction and strong leadership.
“Every time I visit Baguio and speak with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, I am reminded that the success of any transformation lies in conviction. His determination to make things happen and transform the community is something I deeply admire,” he said.
Gregorio revealed that the donation was made to support Baguio’s athletic and sports development programs.
“Today, together with the PSC commissioners, we are offering this donation because we believe in the leadership of Mayor Magalong, the sports program of Baguio and the city’s role as a sports tourism capital,” he said.
The donation recognizes the city’s efforts in advancing sports development and serves as an example for other local government units across the country, Gregorio added.
“This is not a donation simply because we want to help. It is a donation because Baguio is helping itself. It is a donation because the city has become a model for sports development in the Philippines,” he stressed.
Gregorio also emphasized the PSC’s renewed efforts to strengthen its presence nationwide through the establishment of regional training centers and sports facilities aimed at nurturing future Olympians. GABY KEITH