UNIVERSITY of the Philippines President Atty. Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez, chairman of UAAP Season 87, has officially turned over the hosting responsibilities for UAAP Season 88 to Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. and University of Santo Tomas.
The ceremonial turnover took place during the grand closing event of Season 87, which featured the much-anticipated Streetdance Competition, the awarding of the season’s General Champions, and the recognition of the five Athletes of the Year. With the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” Jimenez formally entrusted the next season’s hosting to UST.
Fr. Ang, who was installed for a second consecutive term as UST Rector in September 2024, acknowledged the responsibility of hosting the UAAP once again.
This marks the university’s return as host since Season 79 in 2016.
With the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” UST hopes to highlight the relentless spirit of student-athletes striving to go beyond their limits, celebrating enduring discipline and the uniting power of sports.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the University of the Philippines, our host for Season 87. Your leadership made this particular season not only well-organized, but also meaningful and anchored on values that shape not just athletes, but the entire UAAP community,” Ang said.
“Now, the University of Santo Tomas humbly steps into this role as the host of UAAP Season 88. We accept this challenge, and with open arms, we invite everyone—students, alumni, families, and sports enthusiasts of all schools—to once again rally behind your colors. Let us fill arenas with chants, uplift athletes with cheers, and bring pride to our schools. Let the spirit of camaraderie and unity continue to move us forward together.”
According to Fr. Rodel Cansancio, UST’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director, Season 88 is tentatively set to open in the third week of September.
The university will hold the Opening Ceremony on its campus, a longstanding tradition whenever UST takes on the hosting mantle.
However, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship 2025 in September and the Southeast Asian Games from December 9 to 20 in Thailand are expected to pose scheduling challenges to the traditional UAAP calendar.
The worlds will use the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena as game venues while the Playtime Filoil Centre, Philsports Arena, Rizal Memorial Coliseum, and Ninoy Aquino Stadium are the training venues.
That is why UST is looking at holding the first few games of the collegiate basketball tournaments at the Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena and the newly-renovated Blue Eagle Gym.
“Tinitingnan namin ‘yung first week of the season kasi we are planning to hold the opening on a weekday,” said Season 88 president Fr. Cansancio.
“So ‘yung first week of the basketball tournament, since hindi available yung Araneta at MOA, we are looking at either UST (Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena) and Ateneo (Blue Eagle Gym) for the games during that time.”
Still, UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag remains confident in the league’s ability to adapt—much like it did in Season 82 during the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games.
“Just to add onto what Fr. Rodel said, that such an expected date to start Season 88 is to support the national sports program, and we remain committed to that,” Saguisag said.
“Siyempre, hindi naman kami galaw nang galaw on the fly, pero there are ways. We have open lines with the respective NSAs and suffice it to say na we have done this before—yung compressed schedule—if it comes to that. There are ways naman around it. With the able leadership of the Royal, Pontifical, and Catholic institution that UST is, maitatawid natin ’yon.”
Jimenez proudly reflected on how UP fulfilled its promise of delivering a season to remember—one that began with an unforgettable opening ceremony headlined by the iconic OPM band, Eraserheads.
“At the start of this season, Season 87, we have sent a message that we, in the UAAP, are not just mere competitors, but we are a community. At the end of this truly incredible journey, we can say that we have lived up to that promise. Indeed, eight schools, one league, all united in service to the nation, all united in promoting the love for the game, and all united to the transformation of the students of our schools who will be future leaders of the country,” Jimenez said.
“We do not end the season without thanking many people, and I would like in particular to extend our thanks to the officials, the coaches, and the staff of the UAAP and our partners. Without them, without their work on the sidelines, this would not have been a success. Thank you all very much,” he added.
Season 87 concluded with a historic men’s volleyball final last Saturday, where a division-record crowd of 14,517 witnessed National University complete a rare five-peat championship. The season’s final day also saw the UP Streetdance Club and the NU-Nazareth School Dance Company emerge victorious in the Streetdance Competition.
UST also capped the season by clinching the general championship titles in both divisions—its 48th overall in the collegiate level and 24th in the high school level—officially ending the season on a triumphant note as the next host.
Jimenez expressed his full confidence that UST will build upon what UP had achieved during its nine-month hosting of Season 87.
“I am very confident that the University of Santo Tomas will improve on what we have done, and they are going to demonstrate true sports and the values of holistic growth that they are known for since history,” he added.