WITH UST being the torchbearer for UAAP Season 88, fans can expect new venues, new sporting events and an opening ceremony held on campus grounds to kick off the University’s first hosting since 2016.
During the signing of the UAAP and Cignal TV contract extension, UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P. said the league is willing to adjust its schedule should there be student-athletes suiting up for the national team this year.
“That’s the plan of the UAAP, especially events that are aligned with the national team, or for international competitions, because we exist for the national team,” Cansancio said on June 30 at the UST Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. building.
The 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship will take place in Metro Manila from Sep. 12 to 28, while the 2025 Southeast Asian Games will kick off on Dec. 9 in Thailand.
Because of the unavailability of the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena and the SMART Araneta Coliseum in September due to the international volleyball tilt, the UAAP will host games at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion and Ateneo’s Blue Eagle Gym.
“They’re not really available for the whole month of September, so we removed that. Araneta, we’re still waiting for their confirmation, but I guess (it) won’t be available as well,” Cansancio, also the president of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors, said.
Cansancio added that the “Home of The UAAP,” an indoor arena located in Bridgetowne in Pasig, would begin construction during the final quarter of 2025.
“Maybe we’ll see that during Season 90, two years from now. We’re looking towards its completion during the hosting of [National University],” the IPEA chief said.
UST is set to kick off Season 88 in the third week of September. The opening ceremony will feature a Paskuhan-themed curtain raiser at the University’s open field. F – Joshua Louis Sumanghid
