The University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the Philippines Sports Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to support the country’s national sports development agenda, following a meeting between the UAAP board of managing directors and PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio last Wednesday.
In a courtesy call that turned into strategic dialogue, both parties explored pathways to deepen collaboration between the collegiate league and the government sports body — starting with the possible inclusion of more Olympic sporting disciplines in the UAAP calendar.
“It’s extremely important. We need to connect the value chain — and for me, that value is defined as the connection from grassroots to high performance,” Gregorio said.
“The missing links are our universities and colleges. That’s where the sports value chain gets cut off.”
Gregorio highlighted a gap in the athletic development pipeline, explaining that after participating in grassroots programs like Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, many athletes switch to sports that aren't offered in college competitions. This often leads to a disruption in both their competitive careers and academic progression.
Currently, the UAAP features several Olympic sports, including basketball, badminton, athletics, beach volleyball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, judo, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, fencing, tennis and 3x3 basketball.
Chess and Esports, which are also recognized in Olympic-adjacent events such as the Chess Olympiad and Olympic Esports Games, are also part of the league.
According to UAAP Finance Committee Chairman and Adamson University vice president for Student Affairs, Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, the PSC expressed that it will support the league’s expansion into more Olympic disciplines.
"That was a courtesy call, but during the meeting, Chairman Pato emphasized that this partnership can be mutually beneficial," Fr. Suan said.
“Historically, we haven’t been adding new events due to the financial burden on schools. Putting up a new sporting event can cost millions. But with Chairman Pato’s support, the PSC is now willing to help us introduce new Olympic-aligned sports.”
UAAP executive director Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag Jr. underscored the league’s responsibility to provide structure and opportunity for athletes beyond the classroom.
“The UAAP's raison d'être is to support the national sports program — our reason for being. If we can be the bridge between grassroots potential and international excellence, then it becomes a legacy worth investing in,” Saguisag added.
The UAAP is eyeing the inclusion of medal-rich sports such as weightlifting, shooting, and golf — initially as demonstration events — to broaden opportunities for student-athletes and contribute to the country’s medal haul in international competitions.
“We are open to innovation and evolution. If these additional sports serve the greater goal of nation-building through athletics, then they deserve serious consideration,” Saguisag said.
“He suggested events like weightlifting and shooting where we could produce medals in a short amount of time,” Suan continued.
“The PSC has committed to help us fund and initiate these additions. This is a promising example of a public-private partnership in sports.”
Fr. Suan pointed to Japan’s university-sports structure as a successful model, with over 60 percent of its Olympic athletes coming from college programs, an approach he hopes can be replicated in the Philippines with the help of leagues like the UAAP.