The opening of Season 83 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines remains uncertain.
League officials said they still need to get a clearer picture of the situation involving the coronavirus pandemic.
The UAAP’s plans have been affected following the extension the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and Luzon until May 15.
Incoming league president Emmanuel “Nonong” Calanog of Season 83 host De La Salle University said they await advise from the government through the Commission on Higher Education and Inter Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases on the directions that they will take for the coming school-year.
The season, according to many officials, could open in the last quarter of the 2020, or in the first quarter of 2021.
The calendar of events would most likely be scaled down, with the possible exclusion of competitions that does not adhere to the need for physical and social distancing.
“As far as the league is concerned, it has the safety of the athletes and those involved as its priority,” said Calanog.
Decisions will be made once the members of the board of managing directors meet after the lifting the quarantine on May 15, with season 82 host Ateneo de Manila turning over its hosting rights to La Salle.
After that, the league will meet decide on the opening schedule and the number of events which will be played.
Adjustments are now being made on the league's calendar of events after the Department of Education directed the opening of the secondary level to Oct. 24.
The universities are still unclear of the date of their school opening because the Commission on Higher Education has not yet decided.
De La Salle University is set to open its school-year for 2020-2021 in September, while other member schools are set for June.
Calanog said they are not keen on sticking to the schedule of having their events held in September since many events may not be allowed to be held by then.
If it will be delayed, league officials believe that the games can be postponed until as early as October.
Reducing the number of events can happen if time is short.
“This will depend on the situation. And if we will continue classes, and have it done online,” said Calanog.
The UAAP decided to cancel Season 82 after President Rodrigo Duterte extended the enhanced community quarantine the country has been into in until April 30, 2020. A subsequent extension was made after this.
Talks on letting television partner ABS-CBN keep the broadcasting rights will also be discussed.
The issue takes greater impact now that ABS-CBN’s franchise was not renewed, forcing the network to suspend its broadcast operations.
