JOINING hands for the student athletes.
The UAAP and the Philippines Sports Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to support the country’s national sports development agenda after a meeting between the UAAP Board of Managing Directors and PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio last week.
In a courtesy call that turned into a strategic dialogue, the groups explored pathways to deepen collaboration between the country’s premier collegiate league and the government sports body, beginning with the possible inclusion of more Olympic sporting events in the UAAP slate.
“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,” added the effervescent official.
Gregorio maintained there is a gap in the athletic development pipeline, explaining that after participating in grassroots programs like the Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa, many athletes switch to sports that aren’t offered in college tourneys—which 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 3×3 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 Father Aldrin Suan, CM, the PSC vowed that it will back 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,” 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. highlighted 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,” he said.
