by Alexandra Chloe Caloracan
University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) student-athletes voice their concerns to Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos, coaches and other members of the university administration regarding the lack of support, funding and recognition for varsities at the Himnasyo Amianan, March 3.
Athletes raised their concerns over the lack of support of the UPB community during their games.
Hans Cabading of badminton men's team expressed dismay over the lack of support by the UPB community during their games last semester at the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL).
"Kung makikita niyo 'yung difference ng crowd, nakaka-down sa athletes 'yon," Cabading said.
(If you see the difference of our crowd from others, that is upsetting for our athletes.)
Hans Cabading manifested how athletes need enough support both financial and moral support from the UPB community.
UPB Volleyball Team also shared their sentiments in the bureaucratic process of getting their jerseys.
Francis Espinoza of the men's volleyball team said that they will not be able to continue competing in BBEAL if their jerseys will not be delivered until March 7.
"Ang sabi sa'min [ng SPMO] three to four weeks matatapos yung jersey, eh tapos na 'yong BBEAL non," Espinoza said.
To resolve the problem on jerseys, Chancellor Rovillos stated that the school administration will fast track the process of jerseys through emergency purchase in coordination with the Supplies Property Management Office (SPMO).
Meanwhile, UPB Debate Varsity Chairperson Louise Bangloy manifested that they are not recognized as a varsity team even by some faculty members.
"We should remind them [faculty members] that you are all part of varsity team. You should be endorsed by the Dean of CAC [College of Arts and Communication]," Rovillos said.
Chancellor Rovillos addresses student-athletes' concern during a dialogue held at Himnasyo Amianan.
Bangloy also stated that they were discouraged from using the Himnasyo Amianan for it is reserved for sports varsity.
"Besides from participating in tournaments, we also host tournaments. We were slashed off the list of reservations for the Teatro Amianan and we were discouraged to reserve the Himnasyo as this was prioritized for sports varsities," Bangloy said.
"Inuuna kasi namin i-plot yung schedule for PE classes. Saka namin ipa-plot for varsity teams. However, for the other orgs you need to coordinate with me properly," Mimi Ignacio, administrative staff of Human Kinetics Program, said.
Other concerns such as failure to send the athletes such as the Taekwondo team and Basketball team in regional and local competitions were also raised in the dialogue.
Edited by Andrew Diano
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