By MARK REY MONTEJO
For sure, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will have a bright future ahead – literally and figuratively.
In a landmark partnership, the premier collegiate league and Akari Lightning & Technology Corp. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to build a facility in a 1.8-hectare property in Pasig City next year.
The MOA for the “Home of UAAP” was signed by Akari CEO Christopher Tiu and UAAP officials led by executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, Atty. Carlos Vistan, Atty. Angelo Jimenez and Fr. Aldrin Suan.
“Do not think that this is a win for UAAP and for Akari at all, as I’ve mentioned our partners have figured prominently and consistently in the Philippine sports landscapes,” said Saguisag in a press conference at the Atencio-Libunao Hall inside UP Diliman in Quezon City Tuesday morning, Aug. 20. “Mindful that whatever is good for us, should be done to the benefit of the country.”
“The Home of the UAAP is not just for the league itself; it is for the student-athletes who represent the heart and soul of the UAAP. This is their home – a place where they can compete, grow, and thrive,” Saguisag continued.
The Home of the UAAP’s exterior design is inspired by the number of participating teams which are eight, also highlighting eco-friendly facilities with 6,000 seating capacity and every winning team will be honored by using their school colors after the game.
“The concept evolved from Akari’s desire to collaborate with the UAAP through merchandise licensing, which we launched last season, and has now blossomed into this groundbreaking partnership,” Fr. Suan added.
Tiu, who has been pioneering in promoting sports in the country, underscored that they’re open to cater other leagues aside from UAAP.
“Yes, we’re open for other leagues, hindi lang sa UAAP” said Tiu.
Despite having its mini stadium, UAAP will continue to stage its games in other venues in likes of Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.
Asya Design, which is led by architect Albert Yu, stressed that the construction has three phases and they target to complete it in three years or near of Season 90 before it becomes fully operational.
Aside from basketball and volleyball, the stadium will be utilized in other indoor sporting events.
The UAAP headquarters is also set there, however, the arena has no official name yet and is expected to be disclosed in the future.
