UP students proud of Pep’s decision
Story by Danielle Nakpil
To the dismay of many, the University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad will not join this year’s UAAP Season 79 Cheerdance Competition, according to a statement posted on their official Facebook page today, October 26.
“We firmly believe that the overall results did not genuinely reflect adherence to the competition guidelines and criteria,” their statement read.
Even so, the UP community took pride in the team’s convictions. Several posts have been released in support of the decision.
“It’s easy to go to the ‘we’ll come back with a vengeance’ route but they chose the high road and showed everyone na mayroon silang isang salita. May paninindigan at prinsipyo,”23-year-old UP journalism student Bella Javier told The Insight.
UP has the most number of championships in UAAP cheerdance history, clinching eight hardwares, same with the University of Sto. Tomas. But UP has been bridesmaid to National University in seasons 76 and 77 and landed on the third spot last year.
Head coach Lalaine Juarez-Pereña filed a complaint to contest last season’s results.
“We have repeatedly sought out the delegated individuals to no avail. And after many weeks, months, and now a year of waiting, our issues and questions remain unresolved.”
Despite the protest, the National University Pep Squad, who has been reigning champions for three consecutive years, kept the trophy.
“They’ve already shown the UAAP what excellence means. Now they’re showing everyone what it means to have honor,” Javier said.
The UAAP Season 79 Cheerdance Competition will take place on November 19 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
