MANILA, philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) appreciates the presence of Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio in Shenzhen, China supporting Gilas Pilipinas Women in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025.
The newly-installed PSC Chairman took time out of his very busy schedule to personally witness Gilas play at the top level of Asian women’s basketball. However, cheering for the Philippines was not the only reason for the visit.
Gregorio, along with SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, also met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Asia President Dr. K Govindaraj, and FIBA Asia Executive Director Hagop Khajirian.
Part of the agenda is the recently-announced Philippine hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027.
“We appreciate the support from Chairman Gregorio in China. This is his first official trip abroad and the SBP is honored by his presence and his help especially about the hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027,” said the SBP’s President Al Panlilio. “He wanted to know how the PSC can help not just in the hosting of the event but also on what can be done to further invest in women’s basketball. He saw the talent and the competitive fire from our athletes here and wants to know how the PSC can help drive the program forward,” SBP’s Executive Director Erika Dy added.
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Also discussed were other events that the Philippines could also potentially host in the future.
“We know of the nationwide impact of basketball in the Philippines,” said Gregorio. “And my hope is that more FIBA events can be held in our country, not just in Manila but in other regions because this will help boost sports tourism and also enhance sports diplomacy. SBP has hosted successful FIBA events in Clark and San Fernando, Pampanga and it will be good to give other regions and provinces that same opportunity as well.”
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Gregorio also used his time here to better understand FIBA’s eligibility rules.
With his unique view as Chairman of the PSC, Gregorio looks at Filipinos in sports globally.
“We know that there are many athletes all over the world who proudly represent the Philippines even if some of them may have not gotten a Philippine passport yet before they turned 16,” he said. “Some of them even represent us in the Olympics. I am with the SBP in finding better solutions for Filipinos who have clear lineage to represent the country.”
The presence of Gregorio in China is a clear indication that the PSC and the SBP will continue working closely together to continue growing the sport of basketball in the country. TMT
