UAAP, PSC Strengthen Partnership to Expand Olympic Sports
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) are deepening their collaboration to support national sports development, following a strategic meeting held between the UAAP Board of Managing Directors and PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.
Originally a courtesy call, the session evolved into a substantive dialogue centered on aligning the collegiate league with the country’s Olympic aspirations. Discussions focused on integrating more Olympic sporting disciplines into the UAAP calendar, with both sides recognizing universities as a critical — but currently underutilized — link in the national sports value chain.
“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 that many athletes who compete in grassroots programs like Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa are forced to drop their sport or switch disciplines in college due to the limited number of Olympic-aligned sports offered at the university level. This, he said, disrupts both their athletic progress and educational path.
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 — recognized in global events like the Chess Olympiad and Olympic Esports Games — are also part of the league.
UAAP Finance Committee Chairman and Adamson University Vice President for Student Affairs, Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, said the PSC is now prepared to help fund the addition of more Olympic sports.
“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. said the league must embrace its role in the national sports system.
“The UAAP’s raison d’être is to support the national sports program — our reason for being,” said Saguisag. “If we can be the bridge between grassroots potential and international excellence, then it becomes a legacy worth investing in.”
Among the sports being considered for inclusion are weightlifting, shooting, and golf — initially as demonstration events — to broaden opportunities for student-athletes and contribute to the country’s international medal haul.
“We are open to innovation and evolution,” Saguisag said. “If these additional sports serve the greater goal of nation-building through athletics, then they deserve serious consideration.”
According to Fr. Suan, Chairman Gregorio specifically recommended weightlifting and shooting due to their medal potential and affirmed the PSC’s commitment to funding and supporting their rollout.
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Fr. Suan also cited Japan’s model, where more than 60 percent of its Olympic athletes come from collegiate programs. “University sports in Japan are heavily subsidized, and they serve as a major pipeline for their Olympic athletes,” he said. “Objectively, this kind of setup will strengthen the PSC’s national sports program while also allowing the UAAP to fulfill its mission of producing elite athletes.”
Gregorio expressed appreciation for the UAAP’s responsiveness and commitment to the bigger picture.
“I’m extremely happy. You could see the strong representation from all eight member schools — it’s necessary. I consider them partners,” he said. “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.”
Fr. Suan said further meetings are planned as both sides work to finalize a memorandum of agreement and secure board approval.
“There will be more meetings with the PSC,” he noted. “What we really need is sustainability — a long-term approach that ensures these new events aren’t just seasonal, but permanent fixtures in the UAAP calendar.”
To begin this process, a technical working group will be formed, composed of Fr. Suan, two additional UAAP Board members, and three PSC representatives.
