The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) have signed a three-year partnership agreement to strengthen support for both national and collegiate sports development.
Mapua University president and chief executive officer Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo and athletics moderator Melchor Divina, who also serves as chairman of the NCAA Season 101 Management Committee, led the delegation from this season’s host school. Representing the PSC were chairperson Patrick Gregorio and commissioners Walter Torres and Fritz Gaston.
According to Maestrecampo, the NCAA hopes that the PSC will provide increased support for student-athletes, with the goal of helping them become part of the national team training pool in the future.
“We’re hoping the PSC will provide a stronger support system for our student-athletes. We hope for more training opportunities and access to their facilities. We’re also looking forward to their programs that promote the holistic development of our student-athletes,” Maestrecampo told GMA Integrated News.
Under the agreement, the PSC is expected to support the NCAA through initiatives focused on student-athlete development, as well as by providing access to training facilities, equipment, coaching, and officiating resources.
“This partnership, agreement, this covenant, is the NCAA’s legacy for the next 100 years. As they celebrate 101 years, they have embraced the program of the Philippine Sports Commission,” said Gregorio.
Gregorio also said four Olympic sports are expected to be introduced this season as part of the NCAA's demonstration events: boxing, golf, shooting, and weightlifting.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa NCAA na nakita nila ito bilang isang opportunity to help the development of sports in the country. Kami naman sa PSC, we enable leagues, athletes, and universities to support sports,” he added.
In addition to the partnership, the NCAA also unveiled its new logo, which will officially be used starting next season.
—GMA Integrated News
