With government support strengthening and funding opportunities expanding, leaders in Philippine sports expressed optimism for the future of local athletes during the San Miguel Corporation – Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards held last Monday night.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio and pro coach and former lawmaker Joseller ‘Yeng’ Guiao both highlighted positive developments in sports support systems during the awards night organized by Philippine Sportswriters Association and backed by San Miguel Corporation.
The event, held at the grand ballroom of Diamond Hotel Manila, gathered top sports personalities, including co-PSA Athlete of the Year Carlos Edriel Yulo. The celebration was co-presented by the PSC and ArenaPlus.
Gregorio, named PSA Executive of the Year, reiterated the PSC’s role as an enabler for sports development, emphasizing collaboration across sectors. Since assuming leadership in July 2025, he has focused on athletes’ welfare, strategic infrastructure development, and sports tourism.
A former athlete himself, Gregorio stressed the importance of creating opportunities for athletes and keeping them at the center of sports programs. He cited Olympic champions Hidilyn Diaz and Yulo as proof that national success is tied to athlete support.
Meanwhile, Guiao, recipient of the PSA President’s Award, was credited for helping secure additional funding for Philippine sports. His legal battle resulted in a ruling from the Supreme Court of the Philippines restoring the mandated five percent share of revenues from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and other remittances under the law creating the PSC. The petition also involved compliance from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Guiao expressed confidence in Gregorio’s leadership in managing the additional funds, noting the importance of sustaining gains for future generations of Filipino athletes.
He added that the Supreme Court victory would help produce more world-class athletes such as Yulo, Diaz, Alex Eala, and EJ Obiena.
The awards night was supported by major sports stakeholders, including the Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal TV, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.
Both Gregorio and Guiao emphasized the importance of leadership and legacy in sports, expressing hope that current and future sports leaders will continue building systems that provide better opportunities for Filipino athletes and more victories for the nation.
