Written by Jairah Mary A. De Vera | September 6, 2025
Photographed by Xummer Mondarte
56th WNCAA Press Conference at Assumption College
LAST Sept. 3, the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) held its official press conference for the upcoming 56th season at Assumption College San Lorenzo in Makati City. Representatives from 16 schools and the WNCAA board of trustees attended the event.
The press conference commenced with the opening remarks from Sister Irene Cecile Torres, R.A., Assumption College’s college president. She introduced this year’s theme, “Breaking barriers, Building Legacies” and claimed how this season will serve as a call for action to continue to prove that women belong in every sport, regardless if it’s on a court, field, or arena.
Sister Irene also emphasized the importance of building friendships and forging a sisterhood as different schools compete in this season of the WNCAA.
WNCAA President Juanita P. Alamillo stressed in her speech the importance of holding a press conference every start of the season. She mentions how it helps in increasing public and media exposure and reinforces the whole identity of the WNCAA. “It sets the stage for storylines that fans can follow through the season and it strengthens ties among member schools,” Alamillo said.
Photographed by Kimi Simone A. Villena
The WNCAA Season 56 this year’s board of trustees was formally introduced, including Secretary General Ma. Angelica S. Dela Cruz, President Juanita P. Alamillo, Chairwoman Maria Vivian P. Manila, President of Assumption College, Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, R.A., Assumption College Director for Student Affairs Bernadette C. Abrilla, and Assumption College Team Leader for Health and PE, Gerald Ibuna.
Student journalists and athletes from different schools raised questions during the Q&A, focused on the planned improvement season, and actions to be taken by the association to protect the mental and physical health of the athletes during such a stressful season.
A student from the Philippines Women's University (PWU) asked Sister Irene how this season’s theme could inspire more female athletes, particularly the younger generation. The college director responded that the theme doesn’t serve just as a slogan but as a way for things to unfold and develop in the field of women’s sports.
A representative from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) asked the board of trustees about the considerations in determining the sport categories for each season. Chairwoman Manila explained that the participation of the members is a big key factor when it comes to picking which sport they would include each season. She cited the introduction of 3v3 basketball in the midget division due to the lack of participation for a 5v5 competition, Chairwoman Manila explains.
The remainder of the Q&A portion of the conference circled around questions regarding new actions taken upon by the board to make this season different from the previous ones and what to look out for for the 56th WNCAA. They discussed coming up with plans to motivate more schools to participate in the league, like recruiting from the provinces for example and making sure to emphasize the importance of prioritizing the student athlete’s academic responsibilities still despite the grueling season.
The official opening ceremony of the season was held today, Sept. 6 at the Makati Coliseum.
Volume 31 | Issue 3
