Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio at the sidelines of men's handball in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, December 8, 2025 at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Pattaya in Pattaya, Thailand. POC Media
MANILA -- Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio is hoping that the country's delegation will make it to the top four in the medal table of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.
The Philippines is coming off a 33-gold medal haul in the Cambodia SEA Games two years ago, which was good enough for fifth place.
Gregorio is optimistic that the team can surpass that ranking in Thailand.
"Sa akin, siyempre, better than the last SEA Games ang performance natin. Mahirap humanap ng target kasi depende rin sa napanalunan ng iba. Ako, doon tayo sa ranking," said Gregorio on Monday, after watching the Philippines face Vietnam in the men's handball competitions at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Pattaya.
Gregorio sees a strong Team Philippines, but is also glad that the 1,600-strong delegation is also composed of some of the future stars that would represent the country in major competitions for years to come.
"As I've said, right from the start when we sent a very, very good delegation, alam naman natin na exposure is also very important, aside from the medal haul," he said.
"Let's prepare for the SEA Games, as we prepare for the Asian Games and as we prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics. ‘Yan ang pinaka-importante sa akin. Minsan ang sports, it's the opportunity to compete first," he added.
Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), has previously acknowledged that Team Philippines is facing a tall task in Thailand, after the host nation limited other country's participation in certain events.
READ: POC chief sees uphill battle in SEA Games, eyes matching 2023 medal tally
For instance, double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo is not competing in Thailand because of the restrictions in men's artistic gymnastics, which would keep him from seeing action in multiple apparatus.
Meanwhile, Gregorio is looking forward to Tuesday's opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium, where the Philippine team will be clad with uniforms designed by Avel Bacudio.
"Tomorrow is the opening. Excited ako to see the Philippine delegation wearing their well-designed uniform. Alam naman natin na talagang maraming humahangga sa bagong design ng Philippine Olympic Committee so congratulations," he said.
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