MANILA – The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office has announced its commitment to further enhancing tournament operations for the second semester of Season 87, set to begin on Sunday, January 19 with the high school boys’ and girls’ tournaments.

The season will conclude with the 3×3 competition in early May.

Following substantial improvements in the first semester, which included standardized officiating and streamlined management across the men’s, women’s, and junior high school boys’ tournaments, the Commissioner’s Office aims to continue promoting fairness, consistency, and excellence.

“Our vision is to ensure fairness, consistency, and excellence in every aspect of the league,” said Commissioner Xavier Nunag. “By collaborating with schools and coaches, empowering our referees, and maintaining open communication, we will uphold the highest standards of officiating and game management.”

The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Team also includes deputy commissioners: lawyer Mariana Lopa (women’s basketball), Marvin Bienvenida (junior’s basketball), Michael Villar (media head), and Lance Mandalano (operations deputy). Together, they are dedicated to maintaining a level playing field where every athlete, coach, and fan can trust in the integrity of the game.

Pre-season visits were made to member schools to familiarize athletes and coaches with officiating standards, ensuring a smooth transition from training to competition. To maintain integrity, the Commissioner’s Office enforced an exclusive referee pool policy, with UAAP referees officiating only within the league.

Ongoing training and mentorship programs helped align officiating with the latest FIBA rules. A rapid response system for officiating queries and a post-game review process were also retained to ensure transparency and accountability. Standardized game procedures and clear disciplinary protocols were continued to provide a fair environment for all teams.

Highlighting a focus on gender equality, Lopa emphasized the importance of providing equal opportunities in officiating. “In the UAAP, equality is non-negotiable, and excellence knows no gender,” she stated. “We took proactive steps to recruit and train female officials, ensuring they could officiate at the highest collegiate level.”

The UAAP’s commitment to gender equality was further demonstrated by assigning top referees across all divisions, including the women’s games, boosting the quality of play and enhancing the spotlight on women’s basketball. “Today, it’s no longer questioned when a female official walks into the arena—she belongs,” Lopa added.

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