MANILA — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has expressed its appreciation to Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Patrick Gregorio for supporting the Gilas Pilipinas Women competing at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Shenzhen, China.
The PSC chief met with FIBA officials to discuss the Philippines’ 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 SBP president Al Panlilio in a press statement Sunday.
Gregorio, along with SBP executive director Ericka Dy, met with FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis, and FIBA Asia president Dr. K Govindaraj and Executive Director Hagop Khajirian.
“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," Dy said.
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. 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," Gregorio said.
He also used the time in China to better understand FIBA's eligibility rules as he 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. 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," Gregorio said. PNA