A new chapter in NCAA history officially began on Sunday as the league opened its 102nd season at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, ushering in a new broadcast era with Cignal TV and TV5.
With the University Athletic Association of the Philippines going for a Super Bowl halftime-esque spectacle featuring Gloc-9 and Vice Ganda just a day earlier, the NCAA took a more traditional route for its opening festivities, putting its focus on the league, its student-athletes, and the people behind its next chapter.
Taking center stage was NCAA Season 102 host San Beda University alumnus and MediaQuest Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who welcomed the league to its new broadcast home.
“The NCAA is entering a new chapter, a new life with Cignal and TV5 family. Welcome to your new home in Cignal and TV5. Our responsibility to you is to not simply broadcast games, it’s to tell your stories on and off the court,” said Pangilinan.
“Through television, our various digital platforms, streaming, and social media, we want to bring the NCAA closer to Filipinos everywhere here at home and abroad. Because the NCAA deserves that coverage and our student-athletes deserve that recognition.”
The NCAA was last under the TV5 umbrella in 2015 during Season 90 before moving to ABS-CBN Sports.
Joining Pangilinan at center stage were Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, NCAA Policy Board President, and NCAA Management Committee Chairman Atty. Jonas Cabochan of San Beda University.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio was also on hand, expressing his appreciation for the NCAA’s commitment to medal-producing sports that continue to supply talent to the national team, including golf, gymnastics, and boxing.
“I just want to stress and emphasize that PSC recognizes the role of the NCAA as a vital partner in nurturing young talent and sustaining the country’s sports pipeline,” Gregorio shared.
Gregorio likewise pledged his support for the league’s continued growth, particularly through the ongoing renovations at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Alongside Gregorio was San Beda alumnae Manila Vice Mayor Angela “Chi” Atienza, who showed her support for the league’s continued growth. Atienza also introduced the upcoming community outreach program, NCAA Cares, a partnership between the city and the league.
“Marami pa ring mga kabataan ang nagnanais na sila’y mabigyan ng oportunidad na makapag-aral, lalo na sa private schools,” said Atienza.
The program, according to her, will grant scholarships to various youth in the country’s capital.
Multiple acts then gave life to the solemn atmosphere, with P-Pop groups Oona and Alon joining TV5 stars Ana Ramsey, Carren Eistrup, and Carmela Lorzano.
