A feat that speaks volumes: UP Cebu basks in glory of two basketball crowns in one week

CEBU, Philippines — A week after being crowned as basketball champions of the 2025 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) National Games in Camiguin Island last April 26, the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons again basked in title glory.

Last May 3, the Fighting Maroons under the guidance of coach Rommel Rasmo outclassed their UP Diliman counterparts, 75-69, in the final match to grab the basketball crown of the UP Pahusayan 2025, a sports festival showcasing the talents of student-athletes across the UP system.

For UP Cebu Chancellor Atty. Leo Malagar, the Fighting Maroons’ winning two championships on the national stage in one-week span is something special.

“I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. What our student-athletes have accomplished is nothing short of historic. Winning not one, but two national championship titles in a single week is a feat that speaks volumes - not only of talent, but of heart, discipline, and unity,” Malagar said.

“It affirms what we’ve always believed: that UP Cebu can rise, compete, and win at the highest levels. This victory is not just for the team—it’s for the entire UP Cebu community, and for every young scholar who dares to dream big, despite the odds.”

Malagar shared that there are three powerful elements at the heart of their success.

“First, commitment - from our student-athletes who trained relentlessly, balancing academics and athletics with integrity and focus. Second, community - coaches, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and supporters who believed in this team long before the wins came. And third, character — the kind that shows up in defeat and triumph alike,” said Malagar.

“Our teams didn’t just win games; they carried themselves with humility, resilience, and purpose. These are values that define UP - not just as a university, but as a community of hope and honor.”

Malagar looks forward to UP Cebu bringing the same fire, the same discipline, and the same unity into the upcoming CESAFI season not just to win, but to inspire.

“We want to keep raising the bar, not only in athletics but in how we represent UP Cebu as scholar-athletes. Let every game be a reminder that excellence and empathy can go hand-in-hand. And whether we win or lose, may we always carry ourselves with the dignity and courage of true Iskolars ng Bayan,” Malagar continued.

With their breakthrough achievement, Malagar hopes that they could get more support to sustain their athletic program that is now becoming a force to reckon with in Cebu sports scene.

“To our champions - thank you. You’ve made us believe even more deeply in what is possible when hard work meets purpose. Remember: this is not the end of your story. This is the beginning of a legacy. Let your victories remind you not only of what you’ve achieved, but of what you’re capable of becoming. Keep striving, keep studying, keep serving. UP Cebu stands behind you—always proud, always with you,” Malagar said.

“And to our wider community - this is our moment to rally behind these teams. If there’s one thing this victory proves, it’s that our athletes deserve not just applause, but real, sustained support. So I invite sponsors, alumni, and partners to step forward. Help us build a varsity program that’s not only competitive - but sustainable, inclusive, and transformative for all our teams,” Malagar concluded. — (FREEMAN)