For years, several collegiate sports programs in the Philippines found themselves struggling to remain competitive.
The College of Saint Benilde Blazers were once a doormat in the NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament, while their Lady Blazers volleyball program faced challenges in sustaining success after their NCAA Season 91 triumph.
The Letran Squires, representing a small school, found it tough to go toe-to-toe with the powerhouse programs.
The University of the East Junior Warriors had last tasted high school basketball glory in 1981.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines’ volleyball programs had not won a championship since 1983.
These programs needed a backer that truly believed in their potential. Enter Strong Group Athletics.
Since NCAA Season 97, the Blazers have transformed into a perennial contender, making the Final Four in consecutive seasons and reaching the Finals twice.
Their sustained rise is not just about bringing in talented recruits but also about exposing the coaching staff to elite competition.
“The help of Strong Group is not just about having recruits,” said Blazers head coach Charles Tiu. “Boss Frank and Boss Jacob (Lao) are also exposing us coaches to international competition. It’s a complete program that’s making us better.”
Tiu, along with assistants TY Tang and Paolo Layug, has been a part of Strong Group Athletics’ coaching staff in international tournaments like the William Jones Cup and the Dubai International Basketball Championship, where they tested their mettle against top-tier competition.
(c) SGA
Meanwhile, the Lady Blazers have dominated NCAA women’s volleyball, securing three straight championships.
Their reign, however, faces a new challenger— another SGA-backed team in the Letran Lady Knights, who recently ended the Lady Blazers’ historic 43-game winning streak.
“Boss Frank truly believes that with the right guidance, we at Letran can end our 26-year title drought in women’s volleyball,” said Lady Knights head coach Oliver Almadro. “We have been dominating in beach volleyball, and we hope to replicate that in indoor.”
On the juniors’ side, the Letran Squires have established themselves as the undisputed princes of the NCAA, winning back-to-back championships while developing top prospects like Andy Gemao and Titing Manalili.
“Being part of SGA has played a crucial role in my growth, both on and off the court. From the very beginning of my coaching journey, they have believed in me, offering unwavering support and guidance every step of the way,” said Knights head coach Allen Ricardo.
“Their genuine kindness and humility have had a profound impact on my life. They have helped me not only become a better coach but also a better person. With open hearts, they have shared their wisdom and blessings, inspiring me to do the same for my fellow coaches and players.”
At the higher UAAP level, the UE Junior Warriors recently won their first-ever regular UAAP Junior High School Boys Basketball championship, ending a decades-long drought.
The last time UE celebrated a basketball championship was in 1985, when the men’s basketball team, led by legends Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera, reigned supreme in UAAP Season 48.
“Boss Jacob and Boss Jared (Lao) built this team from the ground up,” said UE Junior Warriors head coach Karl Santos. “We are grateful to them for believing in the program and giving us the tools to succeed.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile on Wednesday, in a stunning turn of events, UP’s women’s volleyball team shocked defending champion National University, 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12.
The victory snapped a seven-year, nine-game losing streak against NU and could signal a turning point for the Fighting Maroons’ volleyball program.
“Hopefully, with this win, more young athletes will come to UP because of our program,” said UP head coach Benson Bocboc. “It’s proof that we’re moving in the right direction.”
For SGA president Jacob Lao, the mission is clear: to empower not just the student-athletes but also the coaches and the institutions they represent.
“It’s Strong Group’s goal to help turn programs around,” said Lao. “We want to give these schools the resources, support, and belief they need to succeed. That’s how you build something truly special.”
With continued investment in talent and coaching development, SGA is reshaping the landscape of Philippine collegiate sports — one program at a time.
