Ateneo prexy confirms MVP back in the fold

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ, yesterday confirmed that the school has renewed ties with top patron Manny V. Pangilinan, paving the way for Bo Perasol’s stint as the Eagles’ new coach for the next three years.

“Over the past few days, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan and I have been in meeting in an effort to move forward and create a more open and constructive partnership,” said Villarin in a signed statement dated yesterday.

“Our dialogue touched upon various matters (both immediate and long-term) that involved Ateneo,” he added.

Villarin, in fact, said MVP through his MVP Sports Foundation has donated a significant amount to the Jesuit-ran school’s Sports Endowment Fund or SEF that he stressed will no longer be used alone on their basketball program but will spread out to other athletic disciplines.

“I would like to encourage the Ateneo community to continue supporting what will now be a SEF,” said Villarin. 

“I have decided to expand the scope and mission of this fund to include all athletic programs beyond basketball as we believe the wisdom of the SEF being the umbrella capital fund which will sustain our athletes and sports programs for the long term.

“Thus, contributions to basketball and all other athletic programs shall henceforth be channeled through the SEF,” he added.

Villarin said Fr. Nemesio Que, SJ, has been tasked to oversee the distribution of the SEF to all other sports.

“Ateneo will supervise this fund with the appropriate governance and management systems to ensure the smooth running of all our athletic programs,” he said. “Under Fr. Nemesio Que SJ, the team tasked with oversight of the SEF has begun their work.”

The recent development should boost Ateneo’s other sports programs other than basketball, volleyball and football, as the school vies for the overall UAAP championship next year.

“I am hopeful that everyone in the Ateneo community will give their wholehearted support to the enlarged SEF,” he said. “In fact, I am heartened by the response we have received thus far in the form of pledges and donations, and I know I can count on you to remain committed in building this fund and supporting our beloved alma mater.

“MVP and MVP Sports Foundation have agreed to infuse this Fund with a significant donation,” he added.

The Ateneo-MVP reunion came after the two severed ties due to personal issues over a month back right after Ateneo won its fifth straight UAAP championship by sweeping University of Santo Tomas.