University of the Philippines’ Women’s Volleyball Team (UPWVT) has prepared long and hard for the UAAP Season 85 tournament, but they face various issues with their current management.
In a letter to UP chancellor Fidel Nemenzo signed by every member of the Fighting Maroons last January 29, the team raised numerous concerns that have been going on since their preparation for Season 84.
Members of the UPWVT are Abilaine Goc, Nicole Magsarile, Ethan Arce, Remy Altomea, Stephanie Bustrillo, Dannica Celis, Jum Gayo, Tethys Taneo, Nikkie Badizanso, Patricia Amidao, Nina Ytang, Sunshine Layug, Mary Mirgie Bautista, Jeanny Padilla, Annikha Cabasac, Euricka Eslapor, Irah Jaboneta, Giesha Capistrano, Heart Magsombol, Frances De Guia, and Noreen Estrellanes.
In the letter, the team bared that they have been experiencing a lack of funds and urgency from the current management, which affects their overall performance for the upcoming season.
Due to this, they requested to reinstate and allow the Nowhere To Go But UP Foundation, Inc. (NTGBUP) to take charge of their team management. The team has previously experienced how NTGBUP properly managed and provided for them in the past seasons.
The team members raised their concerns to the Varsity Sports Program (VSP), team manager Angela Villamil, and the Office of Student Affairs, but they have not been actioned.
These concerns include delayed and reduced monthly allowances, unsettled dormitory balance, lack of academic support, poor and mishandled COVID-19 exposure, quarantine, and treatment response, poor injury coordination and treatment, neglected need for new sports equipment, mismanagement and team manager’s bad attitude, and issues with funds, sponsorship, and coach’s salaries.
The team members are also requesting a dialogue with NTGBUP, especially now that they need full support for their upcoming season.
Despite their hard work and efforts to represent their university, they fear that their campaign may be compromised due to the current management’s shortcomings, the letter read.
UP is currently 0-2 in the ongoing tournament.
