“The Philippine Football Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the UAAP for once again demonstrating its commitment to Philippine football. We commend UAAP Football Competition Commissioner and former FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 Tournament Director Rely San Agustin for spearheading this much-needed support. By aligning its Season 88 football schedule with the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup and the Southeast Asian Games, UAAP is setting an inspiring example of unity and support for our national teams. This is not just a scheduling decision — it is a powerful statement that UAAP stands behind the growth of the sport in our country.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
Following the successful staging of UAAP Season 87, the UAAP Season 88 football tournaments are set to be a landmark edition with changes designed to complement key international events.
The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) football competition, led by Tournament Commissioner Rely San Agustin, made major adjustments to the men’s and women’s calendars to ensure that student-athletes can respond to national team call-ups and that the football community can rally behind the Philippines’ hosting of the first-ever FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup this November and the participation of the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games football in December.
PFF commends San Agustin for his leadership in balancing the needs of collegiate competition with the broader objectives of Philippine football development. His decade of service as UAAP Tournament Commissioner has coincided with significant growth in the sport at the grassroots and collegiate levels.
“These adjustments will not only benefit our national team players but will also deepen the connection between collegiate football and the larger football ecosystem in the Philippines,” Gutierrez added. “UAAP has shown that it is more than a league — it is a partner in nation-building through sport.”
PFF also lauded the continued inclusion of guest schools such as Claret and Southridge and the addition of Adamson University to the high school competition — all of which contribute to raising the level of play and broadening participation.
With the collegiate season kicking off in September, PFF encourages fans, alumni, and the wider football community to support both the UAAP tournaments and the upcoming international events that promise to be historic moments for Philippine football.
