FESSAP launched the drive after finding that many Filipino student athletes turned their back on sport once they finished their studies in order to focus on a professional career in their respective fields.

The organisation, which was established in 1999, launched a drive to change that by allowing students to enhance their leadership skills through more training courses, and sending students to sports forums and conferences.

FESSAP's thinking behind the new strategy was to try and persuade students to continue their involvement with sport into their adult lives.

"The mission of FESSAP is to not only develop top notch Filipino university athletes with world-class potential, but also to enhance their leadership skills so that they can help chart the course of the federation in the years to come," said FESSAP's  co-founder and secretary general Graham Lim.

"The leadership training that we impart will come in handy when it’s their time to accept the baton from the old guard of the organisation.”

FESSAP, which only had ten members when it was first founded 21 years ago on the the advice of then Asian University Sports Federation President Dr Markumand, has now grown into a national organisation with a membership of more than 300 colleges and universities, institutions and corporate groups.

“Our primary priority is to give Filipino student athletes the opportunity to compete in prestigious events of FISU and its affiliated organisations, such as the Asian University Championships, Asia Pacific University Games, Summer World University Games, Winter World University Games, World University Championships and other invitational events from Asian countries," Lim added.

"We want them to gain exposure and experience in their sport at the global level.

“When the torch is passed on, today’s student athletes will become members of FESSAP.

“In their new role, they will scout for talent at colleges and universities in the country, spread cultural diversity and ensure that the love of sports is sparked among more Filipino students.”

The benefits of the longer-term vision are starting to bear fruit as the last three FESSAP participants in the International University Sport Federation (FISU) Volunteer Leaders Academy continue to be actively involved in promoting FESSAP events and activities, despite having completed their studies.

Among FESSAP's big events in 2021 is the National Orienteering Championships, while the organisation continues to host Philippines University Leagues in basketball, volleyball, karate and football.

These events double up as qualifiers that help in the selection of university teams to represent the National University Sports Federations and the country in future international competitions.