THE UAAP has re-affirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippines' national sports development agenda, following a meeting between the Board of Managing Directors (BMD) and new Philippines Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio on Wednesday.
READ: Patrick Gregorio replaces Richard Bachmann as PSC chairman
In a courtesy call-turned-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,” said Gregorio.
“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 programs like Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, many athletes switch to sports that aren't offered in collegiate competitions. This often leads to a disruption in both their competitive careers and academic progression.
Currently, the UAAP features several Olympic sports, including 5-on-5 and 3x3 basketball, indoor and beach volleyball, baseball and softball, athletics, badminton, fencing, football, judo, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.
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.
That's why it's good news that the PSC expressed that it will support the UAAP's expansion into more Olympic disciplines, according to UAAP finance chair and Adamson Vice President for Student Affairs, Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM.
“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,” he said.
For his part, 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,” he said.
UAAP eyeing new events
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.
Gregorio expressed gratitude for the UAAP’s openness to collaboration, praising the league’s willingness to adapt and grow in support of nation-building.
“I’m extremely happy. You could see the strong representation from all eight member-schools. If we truly want to win more medals in international tournaments, we need the support and foundation that our universities and colleges provide - not just in the UAAP, but across the entire nation,” he said.
A technical working group will be formed composed of Fr. Suan, two more members from the UAAP BMD, and three representatives from the PSC.
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