UAAP eyes alternative format

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP would utilize all efforts to come up with an alternative format in a bid to finish the remainder of the collegiate events in Season 82, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

With the entire National Capital Region now under community quarantine for 30 days, the UAAP heeded government orders and extended the suspension of its collegiate events all the way until April 14.

The UAAP last week scheduled a temporary suspension of its events only until Tuesday. This time, they are looking at the resumption of the events by May. 

In case the COVID-19 situation simmers down and upon the government’s lifting of the lockdown, and allow the resumption of classes and mass gatherings, including “sporting events and other entertainment activities,” the UAAP will have to come up with an alternative format. 

Regular formats such as the double-round robin eliminations have been scrapped as UAAP is tipped to race against time –  with the end-of-semester and summer break around the corner. 

“We will continue to coordinate with lead government agencies to determine the protocols for the safety of everyone in or connected with the UAAP community,” said the UAAP through a joint statement by president Emmanuel Fernandez and executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.

“The situation continues to rapidly evolve. This reminds us that we are all part of a broader society and that this is not just a sporting issue, but a public health issue with global implications. The UAAP intends to do the greater good for the greater number, without disregarding the hard work of its coaches and student-athletes.”

Remaining UAAP collegiate events include women’s and men’s volleyball tournaments, which just opened earlier this month before the long suspension. 

Women’s football, baseball, softball, athletics, lawn tennis and 3x3 basketball, meanwhile, have yet to start as the last batch of the second-semester events. 

The NU Lady Bulldogs currently pace the women’s volleyball tournament with a 2-0 card while the Bulldogs and the FEU Tamaraws sit atop the men’s division with identical 2-0 slates. 

In football, Ateneo, FEU, La Salle and UP hold the lead with four points apiece.