The 2025 World University Games (WUG) is just around the corner and the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP), in collaboration with State Universities and Colleges, Private Institutions, and its partners, is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the prestigious biennial spectacle featuring the top university athletes across the globe.
Organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the German University Sports Federation (ADH), this latest edition of the WUG, also known as the Summer Universiade, will be held in the Rhine Ruhr Region, Germany from July 16 to 27, 2025.
FESSAP participation is supported by BESTANK Corporation, Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, KELME Sportswear, Healthy Options, LT Group Inc., Seascape Village, PADDOCK’S Casual Jeans, OMNI Electrical and Lighting, and HENN Athletic Club.
The trip of the local athletes was prepared by FESSAP, the only national university sports organization recognized by the international governing body FISU.
FESSAP is composed of scores of renowned college and university institutions organizations, such as Mapúa University, De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, Technological University of the Philippines, University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, University of Cebu, Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University.
Other members are Philippine Christian University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Tarlac State University, National University, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, St. Alexius College, Notre Dame of Marbel University, Mariners’ Polytechnic College Foundation of Canaman, Lorma College, Benguet State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, and Tarlac Agricultural University.
Among its affiliated member organizations are Orienteering-Philippines, the Philippine University Archery League, the Basketball Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine University Basketball League.
The FESSAP, which gained recognition from the FISU in 2009 and has been sending university athletes to the World University Games since 2011, is committed to showcase the talents of local athletes before the global stage.
Through the last decade or so, the FESSAP has been sending athletes to other international university competitions as well.
Heading the FESSAP Preparation and Monitor Committee is FESSAP Executive Vice President Robert Milton Calo. Helping him out are the members of the committee include Jeane Monteverde (Treasurer), Maria Cecilia Sarmiento (Executive Manager), Joseph A. Sy, Antonio Quiza, Dr. Jose Bonifacio Sexon Rafanan, Albert Andaya, Allan Soria, Red Dumuk (Project Consultant), Christine Diane Sarmiento, Fructuso Raytos, Sean Elijah Siy, Graham Padilla Lim Jr., Patricia Lopez, Giselle Abuga-a Bonsol, Romulo Raytos, and Legal Adviser Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga-Mendoza.
FESSAP president Edwin C. Fabro will act as the Philippine Flagbearer.
The Philippine Head of Delegation to the WUG is currently being discussed by the FESSAP Board of Trustees led by Chairman Alvin Tai Lian.
The Search Committee, headed by FESSAP Honorary Life President David U. Ong and Honorary Life Vice President Christian D. Tan, is diligently working to recommend qualified prospects for this significant role.
Highly recommended by the Search Committee is a prominent businessman-philanthropist, Miss Mary G. Ng, a well-known businesswoman and philanthropist, and the President of the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA).
Ng will provide her expertise on these matters as she is concurrently affiliated with the International School Sports Federation (ISF) and the Federation of Asia Pacific School Sport Institution (FAPSSI).
For the WUG, the FESSAP will be sending student-athletes in various individual disciplines – Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Swimming, Tennis, Table Tennis, Artistic Gymnastics, and Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Team events will feature Men’s Basketball and Men’s Indoor Volleyball.
Participation in 5×5 basketball has already been approved by the FISU.
Only 16 teams have been selected for the 5×5 basketball competitions, while our volleyball men’s team is still pending confirmation from the FISU Executive Committee.
Through the efforts of the FESSAP, four Filipino athletes have reached the medal podium in the past – two gold medals (through Wesley So in men’s chess and EJ Obiena in men’s pole vault) and two silver medals.