Manila Central University (MCU) unveiled a revamped athletics program and a new roster of student-athletes during the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) Season 9 Press Launch on Sept. 14, 2026.
Entering its fourth year as a league member, MCU is joining eight other collegiate institutions under the season theme “Unstoppable Together.”
The university’s updated athletic strategy reflects heightened administrative backing, modernized facilities, and an expanded scope designed to build competitive momentum across the league.
Although MCU remains one of the younger members of the athletic conference, the university has steadily climbed leaderboard standings while producing top-tier athletic talent, including two alumni who advanced to professional basketball leagues.
MCU President Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr. highlighted the connection between institutional funding in sports and long-term student success during his opening remarks.
“MCU has taken great strides in developing an athletics program that sets students up for success on the court, in the classroom, and in life. Just in the earlier years of our athletics program, we have nurtured student athletes towards professional excellence, two of which have become professional basketball players and many of which have shown promising performance in the first year of the program,” Dr. Tanchoco said.
Dr. Tanchoco emphasized that athletics should move away from being a secondary campus activity to becoming a primary driver of student growth and athletic industry standards.
“Sports is ceasing to become an afterthought, and emerging as a focal point of student development. MCU is ready to provide that through investments in school infrastructure, expansion of the athletics program to now include seven (7) main sports, and a values-oriented coaching program anchored in safety and development,” Dr. Tanchoco added.
Key components of MCU’s updated athletic framework include:
- Expansion of the varsity sports portfolio to seven core disciplines.
- Infrastructure upgrades across campus training facilities.
- Implementation of a values-oriented, safety-first coaching philosophy.
- Structural alignment between academic demands and athletic schedules.
MCU Strategic Advisor for Athletics Javier Lopez-Sanz Chulvi stressed that the university’s holistic model aims to prepare student-athletes for careers both on and off the court.
“The MCU Supremos are here to win. We are here to win at the courts, and in life. We have upgraded our facilities, improved our training program, and built strong coordination between academics and sports to help our student-athletes succeed in any field they wish to pursue,” Lopez-Sanz Chulvi said.
MCU competes in UCAL Season 9 alongside University of Batangas, Diliman College, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Centro Escolar University, Philippine Christian University – Dasmariñas, Immaculada Concepcion College, Philippine Women’s University, and Olivarez College.
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