Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio sees a big role for Clark and host province Pampanga in the development of a strategy and program under the newly-formed super body for sports tourism.
During KapiHann, a media forum of the Pampanga Press Club at Swissotel Clark inside Hann Resorts in Clark, Gregorio said that Pampanga can host big sporting events that will bring together athletes and tourists.
“I truly believe that Pampanga is a sports tourism destination. One of the best. Lalo na yung golf. Pinakamalaki ang atraksyon ng golf sa Asya. Kaya pong lumaban ng Clark (Pampanga) diyan,” Gregorio said.
Gregorio made the remarks in view of the newly-issued Administrative Order No. 38 released by Malacañang Palace on October 28, 2025. The AO creates the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) which will be under the tutelage of the PSC with the Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and PAGCOR as members.
He praised the provincial government of Pampanga, particularly Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, for having an excellent sports program, especially in basketball.
He noted the sports program of the province and likened it to Kapampangan culinary delight, which is known to be one of the best in the country.
“Pinag-aaralan namin how he does it (basketball and sports program). Nakikita ko na nga ang strategy. Ang ganda ng style ni (Vice Gov.) Delta pagdating sa Basketball,” he said.
Aside from basketball, Gregorio, a former executive of Clark Development Corporation, said that the province can also host national, regional and international golf tournaments.
“Let us position Clark and Pampanga as the most ideal, the most exciting golf (sports) destination in the country. What will now stop Pampanga from hosting the Philippine Open or the Ladies PGA. We can bring (these) big events in Pampanga,” he said.
He cited the golf courses now frequented by foreign players in Clark and Pampanga, in particular the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga. Inside Clark, championship golf courses can also be found.
By February next year, Hann Reserve will open a new 18-hole course designed by famed player Jack Nicklaus at New Clark City.
Gregorio said that pushing for Pampanga would help realize a long-time dream of Kapampangan business mogul Manny Pangilinan for the Philippines to be a sports capital of Asia. Gregorio worked for 17 years as “corporate sportsman” under the MVP Group.
As a plus factor in bringing in athletes, players and tourists, Gregorio cited the presence of Clark International Airport as well as the railway that will connect Clark to Metro Manila.
On Friday, Nov 7, a Sports Tourism Forum will be held by Sports Tourism Alliance and Selrahco Consulting at SMX Clark. It is a is a platform for industry leaders, event organizers, and tourism stakeholders to explore the impact of sports in driving tourism and economic growth.
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