THE country’s first athletic league — the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — shows resilience amid the pandemic as it kicks off a fresh season on its new home, GMA Network, with “Rise Up Stronger: NCAA Season 96” this Sunday, June 13.

Following health and safety protocols, “Rise Up Stronger: NCAA Season 96” showcases the world-class talent of young Filipino student-athletes from the 10-member schools led by this season’s host, Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Season 96 Policy Board President Fr. Rector Clarence Victor C. Marquez, OP of Colegio de San Juan de Letran emphasized the significance of opening the new season of NCAA during these challenging times, hence this season’s theme, “Rise Up Stronger.”

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic shut us down last year, the NCAA—the Philippines’ first and longest-running collegiate athletic competition—has resolved to move forward and to carry the good fight, for our love of the game. GMA Network, the NCAA, and all our member school communities, our student-athletes, our fans, shall all rise up stronger, shall boldly and bravely face the challenges of the new normal in collegiate athletic competition and sports broadcast.”

NCAA Season 96 Management Committee Chairman Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo Jr., OP, from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, shared the importance of pushing with Season 96.

“NCAA would like to show the creativity and resilience of the Filipinos, especially in the pandemic. We don’t give up—that’s the message we want to deliver. We have to adjust to the situation and make the most of it,” he said.

Working hand-in-hand with the league is its new broadcast partner GMA Network.

“We are grateful to the NCAA for their confidence in GMA Network as their new home and to our student-athletes for keeping the passion for sports alive,” said GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso.

“After months of preparation, we are finally unfolding NCAA Season 96. We are excited to start the next phase of our partnership with NCAA. Season 96 officially kicks off with the GMA-produced opening ceremony that is apt and fitting to NCAA, a premiere collegiate sports league. We are rising to the challenge of showcasing world-class talents of our Filipino student-athletes while still adhering to the health and safety protocols. Season 96 puts forth an awareness that there is more to NCAA than institutional achievements as it continues to provide thousands of young Filipino athletes the opportunity to achieve their dreams and become the best version of themselves,” he added.

And to usher in the start of the new season, a special opening program will be aired on GTV featuring NCAA Season 96 athletes from 10-member schools—Arellano University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jose Rizal University, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Hosting “Rise Up Stronger: NCAA Season 96 Opening Ceremony” are real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos.

Joining them as co-hosts are Martin Javier and Sophia Senoron, who served as hosts of the NCAA primer, “Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96.”

Fr. Rector Clarence Marquez will provide the opening remarks and welcome the viewers to the Opening Ceremony of NCAA Season 96 while Fr. Victor Calvo, Jr. will lead a solemn prayer with a virtual participation of students from 10-member schools giving words of hope and encouragement.