The University of the Philippines Office for Athletics and Sports Development has issued a formal apology following controversial performances during the “Sugod, UP: UP Fighting Maroons Pep Rally 2025” held last Monday at the UP University Theatre.
In a joint statement released with the swimming team, men’s badminton team, men’s beach volleyball team, and men’s table tennis team, the OASD acknowledged lapses in judgment during segments of the event that drew criticism for their insensitivity toward the LGBTQIA+ community.
“We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community in their fight for recognition, representation, and respect. We acknowledge that entertainment and humor should never come at the expense of people’s identities, lived realities, or dignity,” the statement of the office headed by Bo Perasol read.
“We deeply regret that what was presented caused harm, and we take full accountability for the insensitivity.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The OASD also emphasized that the incident reflected not only momentary missteps but also broader blind spots that contribute to exclusion and discrimination.
With this, the office reaffirmed its responsibility to foster an environment of inclusivity across the university’s athletic community.
As part of its immediate response, the OASD announced that — in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the Diliman Gender Office, and the Center for Women’s and Gender Studies — it will conduct gender sensitivity training with the teams involved.
Such training will soon be mandatory for all UP varsity teams.
The office also committed to implementing stricter guidelines for pep rally performances beginning next year to prevent similar incidents.
“True accountability requires more than apologies; it demands action, reflection, and transformation. We remain committed to building spaces of dignity, respect, and integrity—communities filled with nothing but love and solidarity,” the OASD vowed.
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