UP Pep Squad ‘di lalahok sa UAAP Cheerdance

MANILA, Philippines – Hindi lalahok ang eight-time champion University of the Philippines Pep Squad sa UAAP Cheerdance Competition sa taong ito.

Tinukoy ng UP Pep Squad ang hindi malinaw na sagot ng mga organizers sa protestang inihain ng unibersidad noong nakaraang taon bilang pangunahing dahilan ng kanilang desisyong lumiban sa taong ito sa prestihiyosong cheerdance event.

Magugunitang naghain ng protesta ang UP matapos pumangatlo sa 2015 edisyon ng Cheerdance Competition sa likod ng nagkampeong National University Pep Squad at pumangalawang University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe.

“Finally, we can share the news to those who have been wondering that, regretfully, we will not be part of this season’s UAAP Cheerdance Competition. From our first request for an informal meeting, to the letter of protest advised by the organizers themselves, we have exhausted all our efforts to reach a resolution. We have repeatedly sought out the delegated individuals to no avail,” ayon sa statement ng UP Pep Squad sa kanilang official Facebook page.

Umaasa ang UP Pep Squad na maiintindihan ng mga supporters nito ang kanilang desisyon.

“Though you may not all agree with us, we hope that our supporters will understand our decision and remain behind us in harnessing our freedom to prioritize our principles and the welfare of our student athletes,” ayon pa sa statement.

Dahil dito, pitong koponan lamang ang masisilayan sa UAAP Cheerdance Competition sa taong ito sa pa­nguna ng NU Pep Squad na naghahangad na masungkit ang ikaapat na sunod na kampeonato habang target naman ng UST Salinggawi na maibalik sa kanilang teritoryo ang korona.