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| The National University (NU) Bulldogs in the 2025 FISU World University Games/World Summer Universiade in Germany (Image Source: Manila Standard/National University Philippines) |
The Philippines, led by National University (NU) and Mapua University, has once again etched its name in the annals of global university sports, showcasing the prowess of Filipino student-athletes at the prestigious FISU (International University Sports Federation) World University Games (WUG), also known as the World Summer Universiade, recently in both Dusseldorf and Berlin. The Bulldogs secured their coveted spot after dominating the Philippine University Volleyball League (PUVL) while the Cardinals made the cut for topping the Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL), the rigorous qualifying tournaments organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP).
Mary G. Ng, the president of Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA) which is recognized by the International School Sport Federation (ISF), was the head of the Philippine Delegation with business tycoon Frank Lao as her deputy. Both Ng and Lao have supported FESSAP’s international activities and program through the years, energizing the FESSAP group with their support. Also lending their backing to the delegation were the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), LT Group Inc., Philippine Airlines (PAL), BESTANK Manufacturing Corporation, ASICS Tiger apparel, KELME Sportswear, Healthy Options, Seascape Village, LIME Resort & Hotel, Burlington Socks, PADDOCK’s Casual Jeans, OMNI Electrical & Lighting, Megaworld Property, and HENN Athletic Club.
Bulldogs and Cardinals shock the field
Despite facing an initial uphill battle with back-to-back losses against powerhouse Poland (July 17) and Colombia (July 18) in straight sets, the undermanned NU Bulldogs showed remarkable resilience and determination when they notched their first-ever Universiade victory on July 19 – a stunning 3-1 triumph over Argentina (25-23, 25-22, 23-25, 25-13). Their journey continued in the classification round for 9th to 16th place. Though they fell to Portugal, the Bulldogs once again dug deep, pulling off a gritty 3-1 victory against Chile to remain in contention for 13th place. The team ultimately finished 14th overall after a hard-fought rematch against Argentina. Even the Cardinals joined in the fray with a sweet 77-69 victory over Chile in the classification round. National University has long been a powerhouse in Philippine collegiate sports, particularly in volleyball, thanks to the partnership of team manager Dennis “Jun” Abcede Jr. and coach Dante Alinsunurin Jr. “Masaya kami ni coach, dahil natuloy din ‘yung pangarap naming sumali sa World University Games,” said Abcede whose dream of putting NU in the world’s volleyball sports map began when the Bulldogs came out of nowhere to stun the region’s powerhouses Thailand and Malaysia in winning the 2018 ASEAN University Games in Myanmar. It was FESSAP, of course, that paved the way for NU’s rise as a collegiate volleyball power in the region. In the Universiade, NU was the only Southeast Asian team in the playing field. FESAAP opened the door for NU, the same opening its Honorary Life President David Ong wants accorded to the University of the East.
An opportunity for UE
Ong, who is also PAL director, is knocking on UE’s door to take part in FESSAP’s sports activities, not only in basketball or volleyball, but in other disciplines too, such as athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, table tennis and many more. “As an educational institution with a terrific sports program, UE has produced some of the country’s best athletes. I know many of its athletes can shine in the world stage,” said Ong whose plan is firmly backed by FESSAP president Edwin C. Fabro. “If UE wants to join the FESSAP family, we would gladly welcome them to our fold,” said Fabro.
FESSAP marches on
FESSAP’s participation in the Universiade has reaped outstanding results. Wesley So announced his name to the chess world during the 2013 Summer Universiade (Kazan, Russia) where the then rising chess prodigy secured the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal in the games. In the 2019 Universiade in Naples, Italy, Ernest John Obiena, now a world-class pole vaulter, showcased his immense talent by winning the gold. Other noteworthy results came from taekwondo jin Samuel Morrison, who bagged the silver in the Men’s 63 kg. of the 2011 Summer Universiade (Shenzhen, China); and Jomar Balangui, who bagged a silver in the Wushu – Men’s 52 kg Sanda of the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei. The World University Games provide a crucial platform for Filipino student-athletes to gain international exposure and compete against some of the best university athletes worldwide. And with Ong, Fabro, Board Chairman Alvin Tai Lian, Honorary Life VP Christian D. Tan, Executive VP Prof. Robert Milton Calo Vice Chairman Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, Vice President Felix Tiukinhoy of Cebu, legal adviser Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga Mendoza, and hardworking staff members comprising of Cecille Sarmiento, Allan Soria, Joseph Sy, Fructuoso Raytos, Diane Sarmiento, Graham Lim Jr., Emer Matienzo, Patricia Lopez, Romulo Raytos, Albert Andaya, Raquel Padilla, Red Dumuk and Antonio Quiza, FESSAP will continue buckling down to business in its efforts to show the Philippines’ world-class talent in sports.
