LAST Sept. 2, the Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) officially opened the road to its 57th season with a press conference at the University of Makati  (UMAK) Auditorium, which was also streamed live on Facebook. The event centered on the league’s upcoming season and its continued efforts to strengthen women’s collegiate sports.

The event commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from Camille Navarro, OIC Director for the Center for International and Global Affairs at UMAK, who highlighted the WNCAA’s longstanding role in empowering women through sports and recognized the association as a platform where female athletes can develop both on and off the playing field.

“Throughout the years, the WNCAA has contributed to making the Philippine athlete as great as she is today,” Navarro stated.

Officials said the format will provide younger athletes with another opportunity to compete, particularly as forming complete 5x5 teams can be difficult in the midget division.

Basketball Commissioner Brian Tabang said new basketball rules scheduled to take effect Oct. 1 will not yet be implemented in WNCAA competition. Test rules will continue to be used during the season.

For futsal, Commissioner Ray Ritaga said the league will retain the 2025–26 Laws of the Game, as the amendments for 2026–27 are expected to be released only in October.

The WNCAA is also considering adding track and field to its sports lineup, although officials cited the high cost of staging the event. No proposal has yet been submitted to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

During the open forum, Gav Peras of Sports Corner PH asked how the league’s growth could align with national efforts to develop grassroots and Olympic sports. Peras referred to “Rise, Shine, and Anywhere” as the WNCAA’s slogan.

“What is the purpose of this continuous growth of the WNCAA in different sports to make sure that it aligns with the PSC projects to expand the reach of grassroots sports and at the same time, the Olympic sports in the calendar of our league?” Peras said.

WNCAA Chairperson Maria Vivian Manila said the league continues to develop student-athletes through competitions, training, coaches’ seminars, and school sports programs. 

The league also plans to expand its competitions outside Metro Manila. Manila said the WNCAA has previously held competitions in provinces, including Davao, while Ramos encouraged more local colleges and universities to join the association.

The press conference concluded with the oath-taking and induction of the WNCAA Season 57 Board of Trustees, led by Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Executive Director and Secretary General Erica Caitlyn Dy, a former WNCAA basketball player.

With the theme “Rise. Shine. Anywhere,” Season 57 officially opens on Sept. 5, with the league set to bring another season of women’s collegiate competition and athlete development.