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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/NCAA Philippines) |
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has taken a bold step toward shaping the next generation of Philippine gymnastics stars by introducing aerobic gymnastics into its Season 101 calendar. In partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), the NCAA formally launched its aerobic gymnastics program at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, signaling a new pathway for student-athletes to potentially transition into national team prospects.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio underscored the significance of the initiative, noting that the NCAA’s involvement could serve as a vital grassroots pipeline for future national athletes, stating, “Every gymnast we see here could be a future national athlete. The NCAA is giving them a stage, and the PSC is committed to supporting programs that transform potential into performance. This is how we build champions, not overnight, but through sustained grassroots development. I admire the leadership of the NCAA and its sincere desire to help the development of our future national athletes. I am really happy and thankful for their commitment.” Aerobic gymnastics, defined internationally as the ability to perform continuous, high-intensity movement patterns to music, complements artistic gymnastics — the sport where Olympic double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo has brought pride to the country. By introducing aerobic gymnastics at the collegiate level, the NCAA is widening the base of athletes who could eventually specialize and compete at elite levels. “We want to ensure that collegiate athletes are given opportunities to grow, and gymnastics is a discipline that can sharpen their skills, discipline, and artistry,” said Gregorio. NCAA Management Committee member Paul Supan of Jose Rizal University which will host the event emphasized that the collaboration with PSC and GAP strengthens the league’s role in athlete development, stating, “That’s the duty of the NCAA, to develop the student-athletes. The bottomline is, siyempre to be a good student, you have to be a good citizen, but along the way, gusto namin that you will represent the country well in international competitions.”
Student-athletes will undergo six structured training sessions with GAP before culminating in an exhibition showcase on May 21 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. GAP President Cynthia Carrion expressed gratitude to the NCAA for embracing aerobic gymnastics, highlighting its emphasis on balance, flexibility, and discipline, qualities essential for world-class athletes. Though formal competition will be included in future programs, the exhibition will serve as a testing ground for the sport’s inclusion as a demonstration event in future NCAA seasons. “This program is a foundation for discovering and nurturing talents who may one day wear the Philippine colors in international gymnastics competitions. We are planting seeds today. With the NCAA’s support, we can look forward to seeing collegiate athletes rise to become the next generation of Philippine gymnastics champions,” said Gregorio, acknowledging that NCAA's introduction of aerobic gymnastics carries a deeper national impact. Meanwhile, golf makes its inaugural appearance in the history of the NCAA in the Philippines as the league is set to hold a one-day tournament on May 20 at the Wack Wack Golf & Country Club in Mandaluyong City. The special event will feature eight teams including Season 101 host Mapúa, Season 102 host San Beda, Letran, College of St. Benilde, University of Perpetual Help, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, and Arellano University with the University of the Asia and the Pacific participating as a guest school. San Sebastian College and Lyceum of the Philippines have yet to confirm their participation. Nonetheless, the collegiate league is limiting the number of participants to around 100 combined in both team play and individual events.
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| Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio (middle) and the NCAA Management Committee (Image Source: PhilStar.com/Philippine Sportswriters Association) |
San Beda representative to the NCAA Management Committee and current vice chairman Atty. Jonas Cabochan, who has been delegated to arrange the tournament, said the initiative to include golf as a demonstration sport in the collegiate league’s calendar of events was mainly through the endorsement of no less than PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio. “The first golf tournament in NCAA season history is mainly the initiative of chairman Patrick Gregorio. He told us na ‘yung mga sports where the Philippines win golds in international tournaments bakit hindi natin ilagay sa NCAA,” said Cabochan during the April 14, 2026 edition of the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum held inside the PSC media room. “As I’ve been saying, ‘speed is better than perfection. Gusto ko mas mabilis kaysa perpekto. I want to thank both the NCAA Board and NCAA ManCom for what they are doing is really commendable. Higit pa sa pasasalamat ang gusto kong sabihin,” said Gregorio of the country’s oldest collegiate league’s swift action to include Olympic sports in its calendar of events. Held in partnership with the Pilipinas College Golf Series, the tournament is going to be historic and a fun-filled event according to NCAA Management Committee chairman and Mapúa representative Melchor Divina. “’Yung golf sabi nila pang mayaman lang daw. Usually mga private tournaments lang kadalasan ang meron. Pero ngayon magkakaroon na ng golf sa Pilipinas where it will somehow help encourage students to take up the sport,” said Divina. Atty. Jord Valenton, who will be the commissioner of the golf tournament, said the team play will feature a six to play, four to count format, where team members could feature one alumnus and five undergraduate students or an all-undergraduate student. Beyond gymnastics and golf, the NCAA will also stage weightlifting and boxing in the coming weeks, both will be hosted by Arellano University.
