MANILA – The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) have explored pathways to deepen collaboration, starting with the possible inclusion of more Olympic sports in the collegiate league calendar.

Both reaffirmed their commitment to support the country’s national sports development agenda in a meeting after the UAAP Board's courtesy call on PSC chairperson Patrick "Pato" Gregorio on July 9.

“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. The missing links are our universities and colleges. That’s where the sports value chain gets cut off," Gregorio said in a UAAP press statement Sunday.

The PSC chief underscored 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 are not offered in college competitions. This often leads to a disruption in both their competitive careers and academic progression.

The current UAAP calendar features basketball, badminton, athletics, beach volleyball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, judo, baseball, softball, volleyball, football, fencing, tennis, 3x3 basketball, chess and esports.

Adamson University vice president for student affairs, Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, said the PSC is willing to 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," Suan, who also serves as UAAP finance committee chair, 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," he added.

“He suggested events like weightlifting and shooting where we could produce medals in a short amount of time. The PSC has committed to help us fund and initiate these additions. This is a promising example of a public-private partnership in sports."

Suan cited Japan’s university-sports structure as a successful model, with over 60 percent of its Olympic athletes coming from college programs.

“University sports in Japan are heavily subsidized, and they serve as a major pipeline for their Olympic athletes. 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."

UAAP executive director, lawyer Rene Saguisag Jr. stressed 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.

The UAAP is eyeing 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 praised 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 —it’s necessary. I consider them partners. 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 added. (PNA)