THE PHILIPPINE Sportswriters Association (PSA) hosted a live online forum earlier today on its Facebook page to discuss the fate of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Seasons 82 and 83. On deck to host the online forum were DZSR Radio Reporter Judith Caringal and Sports Writer Randy Caluag, along with guests UAAP Season 82 President Em Fernandez and UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.
According to Saguisag, this is only the second time the UAAP was interrupted, with the first instance being World War II. However, Fernandez pointed out that “sports never stopped” in the COVID-19 pandemic due to the availability of modern resources such as the internet. This made it possible for teams to continue their training.
Moving forward, the UAAP is planning the closing ceremony for Season 82, where the University of Santo Tomas will be hailed as the season’s overall champion. Ateneo de Manila University, the Season 82 host, will also formally turn over its hosting responsibilities to De La Salle University during the event. As of writing, the league is negotiating with ABS-CBN for the production and broadcast of the closing ceremony.
While Fernandez and Saguisag hope that Season 83 may begin by the first quarter of 2021, the fate of UAAP Season 83 ultimately depends on the outcome of the country’s COVID-19 pandemic.
Fernandez reminded everyone that the UAAP is, first and foremost, a collegiate league. “We are planning to have a full calendar, but of course that will be dependent on the government and the schools themselves. As I said earlier, these are students so normalcy in the schools will take precedence. Kung normal na ang pasok (when classes resume), regardless if online or face-to-face then we can talk about UAAP Sports,” he said.
In the event that the UAAP can begin by early next year, the league’s organizers must find a way to conduct 16 sports in a short span of time whilst ensuring the safety of all participants.
Saguisag and Fernandez shared some of the contingencies that the league has been exploring. One of the options is a twist on the Southeast Asian Games format—season-long sports such as basketball and volleyball will proceed as usual, while other UAAP events will simultaneously take place.
Moving some tournaments such as chess online is another alternative. In line with this, the UAAP Board may hold “closed door” tournaments to ensure the safety of the athletes, coaches, and officials.
Fernandez also addressed inquiries regarding the athletes’ eligibility for Season 83 as some of the players’ final playing year was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The UAAP categorically said that the playing years won’t be counted so pinag-aaralan nila ngayon (they are currently studying the options),” he said.
Discussions on UAAP’s long-time broadcasting partner ABS-CBN were also raised following the expiration of its contract with the network last May 31. According to Fernandez, the league is still discussing the terms of the contract renewal and assured the public that the expiration of ABS-CBN’s franchise will not faze current negotiations. “Everyone knows that [our contract with ABS-CBN] ended last May 31 and right now we are negotiating with ABS-CBN on moving forward,” he said.
