MANILA, Philippines—One league to unite them all.

A grand plan to merge the UAAP and the NCAA into one big athletic package next year has taken shape after the concept drew a favorable response from next year’s host of the country’s top two collegiate leagues.

BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Patrick Gregorio is spearheading the proposed merger after holding exploratory talks with top officials of the University of the Philippines and NCAA school Mapua.

UP, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary beginning next month, will host the 2008 UAAP season while Mapua will be the host school of the NCAA.

“We want something exciting, dramatic and uniquely radical for the UP centennial,” said Gregorio, an alumnus of the State-owned university, yesterday.

If he succeeds in bringing the UAAP and NCAA schools under one roof, the tournament will be known as the UAAP-NCAA Centennial Cup.

Gregorio said he would present a concept paper on the UAAP-NCAA merger early next month to UP president Emerlinda Roman, UP chancellor Sergio Cao and Mapua president Rey Vea, who also happens to be a member of the UP alumni association.

If he gets the nod of the UAAP board and NCAA management committee, Gregorio said an ad hoc committee, whose chief task is to oversee the affairs and interests of the UAAP-NCAA merger, will be formed.

“This is a mega event that has never happened before and it will definitely prove beneficial for the schools,” said Gregorio, who has the full backing of BAP-SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan.

“This is probably one legacy the SBP will leave under the term of Mr. Pangilinan,” added Gregorio.

Gregorio has already asked Philippine Basketball Association operations chief Rickie Santos to draw up a variety of league formats from which the officials of both league will choose from for the initial tournament.

Besides UP, Ateneo, De La Salle, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East, National University, Adamson and Far Eastern University form the UAAP.

The NCAA has San Beda College, San Sebastian College, Letran, Mapua, Jose Rizal, Perpetual and Philippine Christian University under its wings.

“Imagine these schools fighting it out for one prestigious trophy,” said Gregorio. “As long as the intention is sincere, I know it can be done.”

La Salle is the defending UAAP champion while San Beda is the reigning NCAA titlist.