HISTORY is on the horizon for Philippine sports as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and Akari teamed up in building an arena for the country’s premier collegiate league with a projected completion in 2027.
The UAAP and Akari Lighting and Technology Corp., on Tuesday signed the memorandum of agreement at the UP Diliman in Quezon City for a fitting kickoff to the upcoming UAAP Season 87 opener next month.
But more than that, the partnership ushered in a new era not only for collegiate sports but for the entire Philippine sports landscape with the UAAP’s very own state-of-the-art facility soon to rise in Pasig.
“It will go down in the annals of Philippine sports history. A home we can call our own. There is no place like home,” said UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, joined by UAAP Season 87 chairman and UP president Atty. Angelo Jimenez along with UP Diliman chancellor Atty. Edgardo Carlo Vistan and Akari officials led by CEO Christopher Tiu.
“The Home of the UAAP is not just for the league itself; it is for the student-athletes who represent the heart and soul of the UAAP. This is their home—a place where they can compete, grow, and thrive.”
A 1.8-hectare real estate in Pasig, the Home of the UAAP will be a 6,000-seater arena including offices and commercial spaces upon its project completion in three years.
The league will serve as the main venue of all the indoor events of the 18-sport UAAP calendar, especially the elimination games except for the marquee games of the centerpiece basketball and volleyball events that will be slated at the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena still.
A permanent UAAP office and headquarters is also on deck for the trail-blazing project.
“At Akari, we believe in building legacies that go beyond lighting solutions. This Home of the UAAP project is our way of supporting grassroots sports development, where young student-athletes can grow, excel, and shine on the national stage. I am honored that Akari is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of varsity sports in the Philippines,” said Akari’s Tiu.
UAAP Season 85 President Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM of Adamson University, and head of the negotiating panel said the grand plan was first discussed with Akari in 2023 after their partnership for league merchandises before finally coming into fruition this year.
From there until the MOA signing on Monday, the ‘schematic designing’ is expected to be finalized this year followed by the bidding and the construction proper during the Seasons 88 and 89. It’s projected to be fully operational in time for Season 90 in 2027.
Asya Design as one of the top architectural firms in the country, led by chief architect Albert Yu, will lead the historic project that sports an 8-like shape of outer design or infinity in symbolism of the eight member schools and their core values.
For the UAAP and Akari though, the Home of the UAAP will not be exclusive to the league.
Professional leagues PBA and PVL along with fellow collegiate league NCAA are open to hold games so there are barring schedule conflicts. National athletes, too, as the UAAP puts premium in the holistic development of Philippine sports.
“We are incredibly thankful to Akari for this generous partnership. After years of dreaming and planning, the UAAP finally has a place to call home. This facility will not only host competitions but will also stand as a testament to the spirit of unity and excellence that the UAAP represents,” said UAAP president Jimenez.
