First Philippine Sports University: Gregorio's proposal to UP

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has proposed the creation of the country’s first sports university under the University of the Philippines (UP) system to strengthen sports education and athlete development.

Gregorio unveiled the proposal during his commencement address to the graduating class of the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics at the Varsity Training Center, saying the university would produce not only elite athletes but also coaches, sports scientists, educators, administrators, and innovators.

“My dream for Philippine sports is to build a proud nation. To this end, my dream for UP is to build a Sports University. A university that produces not only champions, but the coaches, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, administrators, and innovators who make those champions possible,” Gregorio said.

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The PSC chief said the proposed institution would help professionalize sports education and provide Filipino athletes with stronger support systems in training, sports science, and management.

Gregorio cited the success of Filipino Olympians Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo as proof that sports can drive national pride and development.

Global inspirations

He also pointed to established sports universities in Germany, China, Japan, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam as models for the Philippines, adding that the UP College of Human Kinetics already provides a solid foundation for the proposed institution.

Gregorio said the PSC could help support the project through its role in the National Academy of Sports, where the PSC chairman serves as vice chair.

He also urged the graduates to bring sports science to underserved communities and help develop future athletes across the country.

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If approved, the proposed Sports University would be the first of its kind in the Philippines, serving as a center for sports education, research, and athlete development.

Gregorio was recently in Cebu, holding an ocular inspection at the South Road Properties (SRP) where the PSC’s headquarters will be constructed for the 2028 Asian Beach Games to be hosted by Cebu.

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