University of the Philippines (UP) head coach Goldwyn Monteverde is in favor of the proposal of capping the allowance of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) athletes up to P15,000.
Monteverde, who led the Fighting Maroons to their first basketball title since 1986, said putting a cap on the allowance of student-athletes is such a smart move as it levels the playing field, allowing schools with meager resources to become competitive as well.
Also, by limiting the allowance to P15,000, student-athletes will enroll not based on the perks, but on the academic program that the schools are offering.
“I’m sure the UAAP carefully deliberated on this one before making a decision,” Monteverde said.
“If you’re a student-athlete, you would usually pick a school that has a good program. As for the allowance, it’s usually to suffice your needs, especially those coming from the province.”
UP is said to be among the schools that have a good program — both athletic and academic.
In fact, after falling short in Season 82, the Fighting Maroons waged a recruiting coup, landing quality talents like CJ Cansino, Joel Cagulangan, Gerry Abadiano, Zavier Lucero, Malick Diouf, Bismarck Lina, Terrence Fortea, Alonzo Tan and Carl Tamayo.
The result was very impressive as they shocked Ateneo de Manila University, which was just a couple of years removed from sweeping the entire season.
Monteverde said the secret to this success was the support of the alumni and their good basketball program, which is now being handled by former coach Bo Perasol.