UST says student-athletes to retain scholarships for first semester

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) assured its student-athletes that they will retain their scholarships for the first term of academic year 2020-2021.

"All scholarships conferred by IPEA to its athletes during the 2nd term of A.Y. 2019-2020 shall be carried on until December 2020," UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P. said on Wednesday.

The announcement was issued one day after The Varsitarian, the university's official student publication, reported that about 30 student-athletes will lose their scholarships as the school grapples with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Wala pang formal letter na binibigay sa amin pero sinabihan na kami na hindi na kami scholars. Nagbawas na sa amin, halos lahat ng Team B wala na," a student-athlete said.

According to The Varsitarian, other student-athletes were also sent to training pools, which would still qualify then for a 50 percent tuition discount.

Based on the UST Office for Admissions' website, the Santo Domingo de Guzman Scholarship, which is granted to student athletes who excel in arts, music and sports, would not be offered this academic year.

Both the University Athletics Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association canceled their seasons this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News