History Of The UAAP

In 1924, Dr. Regino Ylanan (then University of the Philippines Physical Education Director) saw the need to regulate and set general athletic policies; met with representatives of University of Santo Tomas, Manila Central University, National University, De La Salle College, Ateneo de Manila and Institute of Accounts (now Far Eastern University) - to discuss possibilities of forming an athletic organization, which eventually became the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

In 1930, the University of the Philippines sponsored an experimental meet with the first "Big 3" league (UST, NU, UP) on basketball, swimming, baseball, relays, track and field, volleyball, tennis and soccer.

In 1931, the NCAA Board of Directors divided the meet into three divisions to put competition on a fairer basis and to stimulate athletics among a greater number.

In March 1932, UP, UST and NU formally seceded from the NCAA, (the most prestigious and popular athletic league during that time). Led by UP's Candido C. Bartolome, NU's Leon Tirol and UST's Fr. Silbestre Sancho, the move was made for three reasons: to put competitions on equal footing, to increase amateur athletic competitions and to separate the universities from the college members of the league. On April 6, the "Big 3 League" is born. On August 14, the "Big 3" Association is inaugurated with a meet that starts with basketball. Other events were swimming, baseball, relays, track and field, volleyball, tennis and soccer.

In 1935, UP did not participate in the "Big 3 League" because of mass intramurals at the state university. NU and UST hold the meet with FEU (formerly Institute of Accounts) taking UP's place.

In 1938, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association and the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation (PAAF), then the highest sports body in the country, encouraged the original "Big 3 League" and FEU to form a permanent sports association - the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. Events included were basketball, women's volleyball, baseball, football, swimming and track and field. UP bagged three titles (volleyball, baseball, track and field). UST was tops in football and swimming and FEU triumphed in basketball.

In 1941, the outbreak of World War II hindered the staging of the 1941-42 UAAP with UST failing to complete its term.

In 1946, UST hosted the 1946-47 UAAP Season.

In 1952, University of the East, University of Manila, Adamson University, and Manila Central University were granted two-year probationary membership to the UAAP.

In 1954, UE was permanently accepted into the league. The other three universities (UM, Adamson, and MCU) were dropped from the UAAP due to their inability to comply with the UAAP requirements.

In 1970, Adamson University reapplied for admission to the league with a two-year probationary period.

In 1974, Adamson successfully hosted the 1974-75 athletic season paving the way for its permanent membership into the league.

In 1978, The UAAP admitted Ateneo de Manila University into the league.

In 1986, De La Salle University joined the league.

Through the years, the UAAP believes that total development does not solely depend on the academic growth of a person. It continues to draw its strength from the encouraging participation of the students making the UAAP a foundation truly fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship.

Source: Wikipedia