NEWS

(L-R) OAR Events Management Officer Mr. JB Rebello, Arts & Letters Team Captain Mr. Edwin Hernandez, OAR Director Dr. Joreen Rocamora, Engineering Team Captain Engr. Ronaldo Fernando, Tournament Chairman Dr. Adrian Laurel, IPEA Athletics Moderator Asst. Prof. Rodrigo Sambuang, IPEA Regent/Director Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., High School Team Captain Mr. Clarence Aytona, Tournament Director Atty. Frankie Magsalin III, Medicine Team Captain Dr. Alberto Paulino, Accountancy Team Captain Mr. Nelson Tan-Afuan, Science Team Captain Dr. Elvis Llarena, Commerce Team Captain Atty. Emer Aceron, IPEA Secretary Prof. Jerome Porto, and IPEA Assistant Director Asst. Prof. Gilda Kamus.

The successful conclusion of the Rector's Cup 8 was formally marked by the turnover of a 2-million donation to the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) last August 27, 2026. The contribution followed a milestone edition that registered the tournament's highest participant turnout and expanded to two golf courses for the first time.

Tournament Chairman Dr. Adrian Laurel thanked IPEA for its continued partnership and support throughout the tournament. He described the eight edition as a significant undertaking, as the growing number of participants required the event to be staged simultaneously at Mount Malarayat Golf & Country Club and Summit Point Golf & Country Club in Lipa, Batangas.

Despite the challenges of managing two venues, Rector's Cup 8 recorded its highest participation to date, clearly reflecting the tournament's growing reach within the Thomasian alumni community and among supporters from other institutions.

Rev. Fr. Cansancio discusses the institute's fundraising efforts for the benefit of student-athletes.

Building on this momentum, Laurel shared the committee's goal of increasing the value of future donations to IPEA. Plans are also underway to widen participation by forming additional teams representing the College of Education, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, and IPEA.


Held last 16 March 2026, the Rector's Cup 8: Thomasian High School and Inter-collegiate Alumni Golf Tournament concluded with Team Engineering emerging as champion. Team Medicine finished as first runner-up, while Team Pharmacy and Team Science shared second runner-up honors. Lastly, Team Civil Law placed third.

During the turnover ceremony, IPEA Regent and Director Rev. Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., recognized the committee's contributions beyond the golf tournament. He also extended his gratitude to its members for assisting the University during the opening ceremony of the UAAP Season 88, which was hosted by UST.

Cansancio emphasized the importance of a tournament bearing the Rector's name and the responsibility it carries to the University and its student-athletes. He expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow after years of extending valuable support to Thomasian UAAP athletes.

As preparations shift toward the next edition, Rector's Cup 9 Tournament Director Atty. Frankie Magsalin III shared strategies to further improve the tournament. Among his priorities are announcing the event earlier to give more alumni, particularly balikbayans, ample time to participate and intensifying the group's efforts to secure sponsorships.

Rector's Cup 9 is scheduled to take place in Pampanga in March 2027, continuing the tournament's growth as both an alumni sporting tradition and a source of support for Thomasian athletes.