MANILA – University of Santo Tomas (UST) committed to honor all the scholarships it granted to its student-athletes.
UST’s Institute of Physical Education director Rev. Fr. Jannel Novino Abogado, O.P. said on Wednesday that the scholarships of the student-athletes will not be affected by the cost-cutting measures of the school due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.
“In line with the statement made by UST’s Rector Magnificus Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P. — in his letter to all the stakeholders of the university dated May 26, 2020 which guarantees that there will be a ‘continuation of the university scholarships granted during the second term of the academic year 2019-2020 until December 2020,’ all scholarships conferred by IPEA to its athletes during the second term of the academic year 2019-2020 shall be carried on until December 2020,” Abogado said.
“Therefore, there shall be no athlete who will be released from scholarship this coming first term of A.Y. 2020-2021,” he added.
Abogado’s statement came after “The Varsitarian,” the school’s official publication reported on Tuesday that at least 30 student-athletes will not be enjoying scholarships anymore while others will be relegated to a “training pool” to keep fifty percent of their scholarships.
A UST head coach told Panay News last night that they were ordered to retain all their players, including ones from Team B, until December. However, they are about still clueless what will happen after.
“So far, sabi nila retain lahat until December,” said the coach who refused to be named. “But everything is unknown after that kaya ayaw din naming manghula.”
Several schools have earlier announced streamlining or cancelling their sports program due to COVID-19 pandemic./PN
