THE Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) reached its goal of competing in the men’s basketball and volleyball of the coming World University Games through the qualifiers held in the Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL) and the Philippine University Volleyball League (PUVL).
The two leagues are supported by BESTANK, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Philippine Airlines, Healthy Options, OMNI Electrical and Lighting, LT Group Inc., KELME Sportswear, HENN Athletic Club, Burlington Socks, PADDOCKS Casual Jeans, Seascape Village, and LIME Resort Hotel.
Both the PUBL and PUVL are affiliated with FESSAP, the only national governing body for university sports in the country, recognized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the organizer of the World University Games (WUG) or the Summer Universiade.
While 186 countries are members of the FISU, only 16 selected university federations were allowed to join the basketball and volleyball events in the WUG — the Olympics of university competitions across the globe.
Directing the FESSAP is its Board of Trustees, headed by FESSAP president Edwin C. Fabro, board chairman Alvin Tai Lian, and vice chairman Atty. Baldomero C. Estenzo from Cebu City.
The FESSAP Board has designated two businessmen-philanthropists—Mary G. Ng, the president of Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA), recognized by the International School Sport Federation (ISF), as the head of Philippine Delegation; with business tycoon Frank Lao, as her deputy. Both Ng and Lao have supported the international activities and program through the years.
Honorary Head of Delegation is Alvin Tai Lian. Co-Deputy Heads are David Ong of Philippine Airlines and Christian Tan of Healthy Options.
Fabro is the Philippine Flagbearer. He is set to attend the FISU General Assembly on July 14 at the Radisson Dusseldorf Hotel. FESSAP Legal Counsel, Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga-Mendoza will assist Fabro.
Basketball
Representing the Philippines is PUBL titlist Mapua University, which is also currently the NCAA Champion.
Head coach is Randy Alcantara, assisted by Carlos Rodolfo Jr., while team officials are Melchor Divina (Mapua Athletic Director), Gidgeon Baltaza, Maria Cristina Reyes Smyth, and Alex Christopher Subijano.
The players are Sherfrazkhan Abdulla, Yam Concepcion, Marc Cyrus Cuenco, Drex Jhon Leir delos Reyes, Clint Escamis, Cyrus Rey Anora Gonzales, Joemakio Gulapa, Marc Andrei Igliane, Ivan Desiderio Lazarte, Marcus Cyrus Nitura, John Christopher Recto and Earl Jaeron Sapasap.
Volleyball
PUVL titlist National University, currently the UAAP champion, will represent the Philippines.
Roster is Jimwell Gapultos, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Jan Lian Fred Abanilla, Greg Augustus Luis Ancheta, Mac Arvin Bandola, Leo Aringo JR., Jenngerard Arnfranz Diao, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Alex Disquitado, Jeffe Gallego JR., and Herbert Miguel P. Egger. Team manager is Dennis Abcede Jr., with team officials Dante Alinsunurin Jr., Ariel B. Dela Cruz, Jessie P. Lopez, Raymund Franza, John Aries, Benedict B. Pejo, and Albert Ray Alejandro.
The Philippine Volleyball team will be accompanied by FESSAP board officials, led by Prof. Robert Milton Calo, and Allan Soria.
Volleyball competitions will be held in Berlin, Germany, from July 17 to 26, 2025, while the basketball games will be held in Essen and Dusseldorf, Cities of the Rhine-Ruhr Region. The team will be led by the FESSAP Executive Committee Chief Executive Officer Graham C. Lim, together with FESSAP Corporate Secretary Cecille Sarmiento and several working staff members.
