For the first time in nearly a decade, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is set to host the UAAP in its 88th season, which is scheduled to commence in September — a task that Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., described as a challenge the university would embrace “with open arms.”
UST is eyeing the third week of September to stage the opening ceremony at its Sampaloc campus.
This will coincide with the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Men’s World Championship, set for Sept. 12–28, and the Bar exams, for which UST will serve as the national headquarters.
“We accept this challenge with open arms,” Ang said in his speech during the UAAP Season 87 closing ceremony on May 20, during which UP officially handed over the hosting rites to UST.
“We invite everyone, students, alumni, families, and sports enthusiasts of all the schools, to once again rally behind your colors. Let the spirit of camaraderie and unity continue to move us forward together.”
Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., director of the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, said holding the opening ceremony at the university is a tradition UST started when it hosted the UAAP in Season 79.
Since Season 73 in 2010, the UAAP has opened at either the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay or the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City — except in 2016, when UST last hosted the intercollegiate league.
“Just to continue the practice, it started with Season 79. It was hosted by UST, and we had our opening on campus. So this time, we continue that practice and we will have the grand opening of Season 88 at the UST campus,” Cansancio said.
“We are planning to hold the opening on a weekday,” he added. “So, ‘yong first week ng basketball tournament, since hindi available ‘yong Araneta at Mall of Asia Arnea, we’re looking at either UST or Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.”
UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag said the league would continue coordinating with national sports associations to ensure scheduling conflicts are avoided.
“Siyempre hindi naman din kami basta-basta galaw nang galaw; there are ways. We have done this before, ‘yong compressed schedule, there are ways naman around it,” Saguisag said. “With the leadership of the Royal, Pontifical, Catholic institution that UST is, maitatawid natin.”
Games for UAAP Season 88 will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Other venues such as Playtime FilOil Centre, Philsports Arena, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and Ninoy Aquino Stadium will serve as training facilities for the athletes.
