During an episode of UAAP Talk yesterday, Atty. Saguisag affirmed that Olympic sports are worth being included in the calendar.

“This is really worth revisiting. These two sports are worth revisiting, and at least siguro ‘yung Olympic events should really have a place in the UAAP, because nga ang isang principle namin is really to support the national sports program,” he said. 

“So we’re definitely very much open to that, and again thank you for our athletes, our Olympians.” 

And even before the requests to include the said sports, Saguisag shared that the same notion had been brought up by Hidilyn Diaz three years ago but nothing materialized but opened more possibilities after bagging the historic gold medal.

“As for boxing, historically, boxing was a part of the UAAP. At any rate, this is really worth revisiting and at least those Olympic events should have a place in the UAAP. One of our principles is to support the national sports programs,” he continued.

Nevertheless, the challenge will be imposed on each team as they will have the burden to build a team as well as maintaining it.

“‘Yung challenge is actually for the member-schools now. Kasi, sila ‘yung mago-open up again ng new team, and to maintain those teams...kasi kami, event lang naman eh,” Saguisag explained

“Ang UAAP just needs to organize these events, but for the schools, for the member-schools, it will mean new uniforms, scholarships, coaching, etc., etc. ‘Yun probably baka maging challenge, especially now na we have the challenge nga of COVID-19. So ‘yun ang isang thing,” he added.

However, Saguisag pointed out that one of the league’s goals is to support national sports programs.

“Isang principle namin is to support the national sports programs.”