By Ma. Monica Licaros, Jeaneth Panti, and Mary Ann Suing
With every dribble on the basketball, smash on the shuttlecock, spike on the volleyball, penalty kick on the football, pitch on the softball; the primary aim of every athlete is to bring home the gold. With the aid of dedication, there come stories of success and failure as well. And this is the story of every victor’s foundation.
Money makes the world go round. And this could not have been truer in college sports. Being government-subsidized, State Universities like Bulacan State University (BulSU) have to bunch up funds from its students’ tuition fees. Some students, though, think that the two fees that seemed for the athletes sounded very much alike.
Twin fees
BulSU Gold Gear was sponsored not by well-known advertisers, but through the Php133 paid by each of the student compulsory on their miscellaneous fee. Due to this, it’s their right to open the vault towards the clarifications in terms of the Gold Gear’s budget and expenses.
The so-called redundancy in our university fees—as the COR may reveal it—has been a trending issue every enrolment period. Two seemingly-look alike fees in particular are the SCUAA Fee and the Athletic Fee. Both are put into question of maybe having the same purpose.
College of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports (COPERS) Dean Raquel Mendoza cleared the issue of these two that there is no duplication, because the Athletic Fee is not for the athletes, despite its name telling us so.
“SCUAA Fee is the budget being used during competition sa SCUAA. Now your Athletic Fee is being spent for the operational service PE (Physical Education). That is why you have the ball, the courts (are) painted then you have your activity area for the classes.”
Although the Athletic Fee is for the students’ use, there is no allotment for the University Intramurals from it. Instead, the SCUAA Fee takes in-charge of it.
Also, the COPERS Dean bared the truth that the funds being collected for the two fees are not enough to sustain the students. And being the Regional champions for 17 years to date while having two-year straight appearances in the Nationals, it calls for more and more funds to keep our athletes going further and doing better.
With this year’s Nationals to be held at Zamboanga, the Dean and coaches have to be wise in spending for the Regional SCUAA to be able to put up finances for the nationwide sports tourney.
“If our players are not good, they are likely to play only for two or three times in Regionals and they will be out of the competition. Pero sila (BulSU Gold Gears), lumalaro ‘yong players natin from the first day up to the last. And to think that they have to play for this period, they need more jerseys. Kaya maaga pa lang, pinagawa ko na yung pangalawang uniform nila. Pero magtitipid-tipid ako kasi kailangan ko mag-set aside ng pera para sa National SCUAA.”
But being frugal is not always good. Dean Mendoza imparted that she resorted to some over-the-top ways just to be able to save money before, like letting our athletes have only one uniform which leads them to wearing it wet and play again. But she learned the health risks of doing it, especially for our athletes who compete from the start ‘til the end of the event.
The SCUAA and Athletic Fees are also rising yearly by 10% to further provide for the students, as approved by the Board of Reagents. However, the yearly increase does not seem to meet the essentials. Dean Mendoza finds it good to seek for the highest administrator whenever urgent situations occur.
“Si President (Dr. Mariano de Jesus) naman is so accomodating. ‘Pag magre-request naman ako, there was never a request of mine na sila (Administration) ay nag-turn down, lalo na kapag needs ng bata, needs ng ating estudyante for PE classes, lagi akong pinagbibigyan.”
Pocket money
The so-called training allowance being allotted for the athletes began way back 2004, coming from the part of distribution in SCUAA Fee that time. The allowance then costs Php300, increased to Php400 in 2008 until it became Php800, effective from 2009 until now.
“Monthly ‘yong pagtanggap namin ng allowance tapos kukunin namin ‘yon sa cashier, ipapakita lang namin ‘yong ID and then presto, may Php800 ka na. Malaking bagay na po ‘yong naitutulong ng allowance na ‘yon para matustusan ‘yong pangangailangan namin like books and transportation and I should not ask for more,” believed Alvin Azarcon, lawn tennis player.
Athletes’ allowance is based on their attendance and underperformance and are always discounted when it comes on evaluating how much of the students’ fund from SCUAA Fee are to be given to the respective players. The rate of the players’ allowance is dependent on the amount of practice he attends to, not the level of play he is exerting.
Injuries were an inescapable fact of an athlete’s life. In BulSU, our athletes are insured for medical attention if and only the injuries are sports-based and within the school premises.
“Nagkaroon ako ng softball player na na-injured ‘yong mata niya, napuwing tapos natanggal ‘yong pinaka-cover ng mata niya and it happened in the field during our training kaya naman pina-check ko agad siya sa ating university physician then pina-consult sa specialist at sinagot ng BulSU lahat ng gastos niya sa ospital,” said Women’s Softball Coach Erika Arroyo.
From insurance to perks, the Gold Gears always have the first taste of our tuition fees. Vitamins, food, shoes, uniforms and transportation, especially during rigid trainings were all provided by the University.
“Aside from the Athlete’s Quarter, malaking tulong talaga ‘yong allowance para sa mga players ko kasi marami din sa kanila ‘yung hindi naman kayang tustusan ang sarili nila at galing pa sa malalayong lugar kagaya ng San Jose Del Monte kaya naman magagamit nila ‘yon para makapunta sila sa rigid training,” said Coach Melvin Villegas of Baseball team.
Bank deficiency
On paper, the Gold Gears’ Financial System appears to be flawless. The money runs so smooth and only those deserving are the ones who can received allowances. It was perfect, dancing through the rhythm of a standard 40’s music. But then again, it’s just a paper. And papers crumpled every time.
“Minsan talaga naranasan na namin na two months, wala pa rin kaming allowance. Tapos darating din ‘yong point na tatanungin namin ‘yong coach namin kung bakit gano’n hindi rin nila alam. Kulang na nga dahil Php600 minsan tapos super delayed, delayed pa sa buntis,” contrasted Paulo from the Volleyball team.
Most of the time, what we thought is enough is not what really seem to materialize. The athletes may seem too proud and tough outside, but they have sentiments inside that only their fellow could understand.
“Thrice a week po ang training namin sa Bulacan Sports Complex. Kakasya po ba ‘yong allowance na ‘yon sa isang buwan kung sa pamasahe pa lang kulang na? Paano naman po ‘yong mga kasamahan kong kapos din sa buhay? Na kaya po nag-athlete hindi lang para bigyan ng karangalan ang school natin kung hindi para makapag-aral?” complained a veteran BulSU tanker.
The senior swimmer added that their coach has a biased treatment among them which affects not only the amount of allowances and trust to their trainer’s credibility but also the worth of being there, training hard but might get unnoticed because of the ‘coach’s pet.’
“Kaya nga nag-quit ako sa team namin because of favoritism. It has been a three years problem at parang pa-raffle na hulaan na lang kung sino ang gusto nilang bigyan ng mataas na allowance. Kaya hindi na rin po ako naniwala na nakadepende ‘yong allowance sa attendance ng players dahil kahit anong sikap mong mag-practice, useless din kung unfair silang tumingin.”
However, COPERS defended the issue about the allowance delay and unequal distribution of stipend. It has something to do with their responsibility that is why that kind of problem can easily be solved. Furthermore, having allowance is only a privilege, not a right.
“Players must be very thankful dahil may allowance sila ngayon. Ma-delay man, okay lang. At least may inaasahan ang players na panggastos at pambili sa mga pangangailangan nila. To think na hindi naman nila rights ang magkaroon ng allowance. BulSU has been very supportive for them hindi kagaya ng ibang State Universities na wala namang TA (training allowance),” justified Coach Arroyo.
Scholarship was also included. All athletes ought to have a full or half scholarship given by their coaches based on the new standards implemented by the COPERS. Nowadays, one of the problems faced by the department is those unworthy students who do not take their trainings seriously and forget their commitments as a player besides being a student.
“Hindi namin kailangan ng magaling nga, pero hindi naman devoted sa ginagawa niya,” explained Dean Mendoza.
‘Out of place’ matters
Benefits are not just exclusive for the Gold Gears. Laboratory High School (Lab High) athletes are also given compensations with regards to their exemplary athletic performance.
The academe gives them free tuition fees and competition allowance. Though they are not considered as varsity players, the University provides other support for Lab High players such as equipment and uniforms during the game. Lab High athletes do not received any monthly allowances, but rather allowances handed out every contest time.
But before these junior athletes are able to get these incentives they are presently enjoying, Dean Mendoza clarified that they create their team upon request which she will endorse for the approval of the President.
Lab High Football Coach Emmanuel Robles affirmed Dean Mendoza on approving Lab High requests regarding their needs for equipment and allowance, at the same time negating what the Dean just said about COPERS shouldering the allowance of players.
"Nagre-request kami everytime na may tournament. Ang problema nga lang hindi ganon kabilis kasi nga may procurement time tayo at ang priority ay college," exposed Coach Robles as he explained that with the insufficiency of COPERS's support, they tend to seek for alternatives that will help them bear the needs of their athletes.
Complaints have been shared by the coaches of junior athletes who want to feel that they also fit in this kind of support.
“Ang allowance, actually dapat nanggagaling ‘yan sa budget ng school, pero ang Lab High athletes, sinasagot ng school ang uniform during meet tapos ‘yong ibang incentives sinasagot naman ng PTA (Parent-Teacher Association).”
Lab High athletes are not just mere athletes. Playing in the arena is just as tough as solving equations in the book and learning inside the classroom. In this case, the University makes sure that Lab High athletes would not face the burden alone by paying their tuition fees.
With only little support given to them by the COPERS and the small incentives they receive from the PTA, Coach Robles pointed out that the incentives that are given to them are still insufficient to supply their necessities. Thus, they need more to shed out the athletes' abilities during their fights.
"Kagaya ng suporta sa colleges, dapat sa high school gano’n din kasi alam natin na kaunti lang ‘yong population namin pero marami kaming athlete na malaki ‘yong potential when it comes to sports, kaya lang ‘di gaanong nasusuportahan dahil maliit na unit," the coach said.
Athletes are the ones who are really involved whatever the system of the budget is. Lab High football star player Kevin Centeno reacted that the stipend grants they received isn’t enough to maintain their necessities during trainings and tournaments.
"Kulang po, kasi minsan wala po silang binibigay na sariling pera. Masyado pong maliit (competition allowance). Sana po dagdagan ‘yong allowance para po may mai-support kami sa training namin,” said Centeno.
The glory of paying back
Athletes are always informed that all the financial aid that they are enjoying right now comes from their fellow students. As such, pressure sets their discipline to be focused on whatever sports they have tuck in.
“Anuman ang ine-enjoy n’yong (athletes) allowance, uniform at suporta, hindi galing sa BulSU, galing ‘yan sa mga estudyante so we have to repay them through our hard works. I strongly believed that whatever centavo we get from the SCUAA Fee, it is the money of the students,” emphasized Dean Mendoza.
Sports development is not a task done overnight. So if you want to have a good bank, you must have a harmonious relationship with your financial-related people.
Proper utilization and distribution of funds is the task of COPERS, keeping their fair share of duty that will ‘gear’ our Gold Gears to excel in the games. In return, the athletes’ duty is to bring back all the credits by means of doing their mission to win and to bring home all the glory.
Financial support of BulSU can be too much or too short if all of us will wear those two different shoes. It can be the other way around saying yes and saluting all the coaches who believe to have principle in checking the attendance and distributing allowance, or it may be yelling two letters, NO if and only, the college players become so negative and less grateful on the blessings they have.
Whatever will be the judgment, it was still the money coming from every student that matters.
With every dribble on the basketball, smash on the shuttlecock, spike on the volleyball, penalty kick on the football, pitch on the softball; the primary aim of every athlete is to bring home the gold. With the aid of dedication, there come stories of success and failure as well. And this is the story of every victor’s foundation.
Money makes the world go round. And this could not have been truer in college sports. Being government-subsidized, State Universities like Bulacan State University (BulSU) have to bunch up funds from its students’ tuition fees. Some students, though, think that the two fees that seemed for the athletes sounded very much alike.
Twin fees
BulSU Gold Gear was sponsored not by well-known advertisers, but through the Php133 paid by each of the student compulsory on their miscellaneous fee. Due to this, it’s their right to open the vault towards the clarifications in terms of the Gold Gear’s budget and expenses.
The so-called redundancy in our university fees—as the COR may reveal it—has been a trending issue every enrolment period. Two seemingly-look alike fees in particular are the SCUAA Fee and the Athletic Fee. Both are put into question of maybe having the same purpose.
College of Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports (COPERS) Dean Raquel Mendoza cleared the issue of these two that there is no duplication, because the Athletic Fee is not for the athletes, despite its name telling us so.
“SCUAA Fee is the budget being used during competition sa SCUAA. Now your Athletic Fee is being spent for the operational service PE (Physical Education). That is why you have the ball, the courts (are) painted then you have your activity area for the classes.”
Although the Athletic Fee is for the students’ use, there is no allotment for the University Intramurals from it. Instead, the SCUAA Fee takes in-charge of it.
Also, the COPERS Dean bared the truth that the funds being collected for the two fees are not enough to sustain the students. And being the Regional champions for 17 years to date while having two-year straight appearances in the Nationals, it calls for more and more funds to keep our athletes going further and doing better.
With this year’s Nationals to be held at Zamboanga, the Dean and coaches have to be wise in spending for the Regional SCUAA to be able to put up finances for the nationwide sports tourney.
“If our players are not good, they are likely to play only for two or three times in Regionals and they will be out of the competition. Pero sila (BulSU Gold Gears), lumalaro ‘yong players natin from the first day up to the last. And to think that they have to play for this period, they need more jerseys. Kaya maaga pa lang, pinagawa ko na yung pangalawang uniform nila. Pero magtitipid-tipid ako kasi kailangan ko mag-set aside ng pera para sa National SCUAA.”
But being frugal is not always good. Dean Mendoza imparted that she resorted to some over-the-top ways just to be able to save money before, like letting our athletes have only one uniform which leads them to wearing it wet and play again. But she learned the health risks of doing it, especially for our athletes who compete from the start ‘til the end of the event.
The SCUAA and Athletic Fees are also rising yearly by 10% to further provide for the students, as approved by the Board of Reagents. However, the yearly increase does not seem to meet the essentials. Dean Mendoza finds it good to seek for the highest administrator whenever urgent situations occur.
“Si President (Dr. Mariano de Jesus) naman is so accomodating. ‘Pag magre-request naman ako, there was never a request of mine na sila (Administration) ay nag-turn down, lalo na kapag needs ng bata, needs ng ating estudyante for PE classes, lagi akong pinagbibigyan.”
Pocket money
The so-called training allowance being allotted for the athletes began way back 2004, coming from the part of distribution in SCUAA Fee that time. The allowance then costs Php300, increased to Php400 in 2008 until it became Php800, effective from 2009 until now.
“Monthly ‘yong pagtanggap namin ng allowance tapos kukunin namin ‘yon sa cashier, ipapakita lang namin ‘yong ID and then presto, may Php800 ka na. Malaking bagay na po ‘yong naitutulong ng allowance na ‘yon para matustusan ‘yong pangangailangan namin like books and transportation and I should not ask for more,” believed Alvin Azarcon, lawn tennis player.
Athletes’ allowance is based on their attendance and underperformance and are always discounted when it comes on evaluating how much of the students’ fund from SCUAA Fee are to be given to the respective players. The rate of the players’ allowance is dependent on the amount of practice he attends to, not the level of play he is exerting.
Injuries were an inescapable fact of an athlete’s life. In BulSU, our athletes are insured for medical attention if and only the injuries are sports-based and within the school premises.
“Nagkaroon ako ng softball player na na-injured ‘yong mata niya, napuwing tapos natanggal ‘yong pinaka-cover ng mata niya and it happened in the field during our training kaya naman pina-check ko agad siya sa ating university physician then pina-consult sa specialist at sinagot ng BulSU lahat ng gastos niya sa ospital,” said Women’s Softball Coach Erika Arroyo.
From insurance to perks, the Gold Gears always have the first taste of our tuition fees. Vitamins, food, shoes, uniforms and transportation, especially during rigid trainings were all provided by the University.
“Aside from the Athlete’s Quarter, malaking tulong talaga ‘yong allowance para sa mga players ko kasi marami din sa kanila ‘yung hindi naman kayang tustusan ang sarili nila at galing pa sa malalayong lugar kagaya ng San Jose Del Monte kaya naman magagamit nila ‘yon para makapunta sila sa rigid training,” said Coach Melvin Villegas of Baseball team.
Bank deficiency
On paper, the Gold Gears’ Financial System appears to be flawless. The money runs so smooth and only those deserving are the ones who can received allowances. It was perfect, dancing through the rhythm of a standard 40’s music. But then again, it’s just a paper. And papers crumpled every time.
“Minsan talaga naranasan na namin na two months, wala pa rin kaming allowance. Tapos darating din ‘yong point na tatanungin namin ‘yong coach namin kung bakit gano’n hindi rin nila alam. Kulang na nga dahil Php600 minsan tapos super delayed, delayed pa sa buntis,” contrasted Paulo from the Volleyball team.
Most of the time, what we thought is enough is not what really seem to materialize. The athletes may seem too proud and tough outside, but they have sentiments inside that only their fellow could understand.
“Thrice a week po ang training namin sa Bulacan Sports Complex. Kakasya po ba ‘yong allowance na ‘yon sa isang buwan kung sa pamasahe pa lang kulang na? Paano naman po ‘yong mga kasamahan kong kapos din sa buhay? Na kaya po nag-athlete hindi lang para bigyan ng karangalan ang school natin kung hindi para makapag-aral?” complained a veteran BulSU tanker.
The senior swimmer added that their coach has a biased treatment among them which affects not only the amount of allowances and trust to their trainer’s credibility but also the worth of being there, training hard but might get unnoticed because of the ‘coach’s pet.’
“Kaya nga nag-quit ako sa team namin because of favoritism. It has been a three years problem at parang pa-raffle na hulaan na lang kung sino ang gusto nilang bigyan ng mataas na allowance. Kaya hindi na rin po ako naniwala na nakadepende ‘yong allowance sa attendance ng players dahil kahit anong sikap mong mag-practice, useless din kung unfair silang tumingin.”
However, COPERS defended the issue about the allowance delay and unequal distribution of stipend. It has something to do with their responsibility that is why that kind of problem can easily be solved. Furthermore, having allowance is only a privilege, not a right.
“Players must be very thankful dahil may allowance sila ngayon. Ma-delay man, okay lang. At least may inaasahan ang players na panggastos at pambili sa mga pangangailangan nila. To think na hindi naman nila rights ang magkaroon ng allowance. BulSU has been very supportive for them hindi kagaya ng ibang State Universities na wala namang TA (training allowance),” justified Coach Arroyo.
Scholarship was also included. All athletes ought to have a full or half scholarship given by their coaches based on the new standards implemented by the COPERS. Nowadays, one of the problems faced by the department is those unworthy students who do not take their trainings seriously and forget their commitments as a player besides being a student.
“Hindi namin kailangan ng magaling nga, pero hindi naman devoted sa ginagawa niya,” explained Dean Mendoza.
‘Out of place’ matters
Benefits are not just exclusive for the Gold Gears. Laboratory High School (Lab High) athletes are also given compensations with regards to their exemplary athletic performance.
The academe gives them free tuition fees and competition allowance. Though they are not considered as varsity players, the University provides other support for Lab High players such as equipment and uniforms during the game. Lab High athletes do not received any monthly allowances, but rather allowances handed out every contest time.
But before these junior athletes are able to get these incentives they are presently enjoying, Dean Mendoza clarified that they create their team upon request which she will endorse for the approval of the President.
Lab High Football Coach Emmanuel Robles affirmed Dean Mendoza on approving Lab High requests regarding their needs for equipment and allowance, at the same time negating what the Dean just said about COPERS shouldering the allowance of players.
"Nagre-request kami everytime na may tournament. Ang problema nga lang hindi ganon kabilis kasi nga may procurement time tayo at ang priority ay college," exposed Coach Robles as he explained that with the insufficiency of COPERS's support, they tend to seek for alternatives that will help them bear the needs of their athletes.
Complaints have been shared by the coaches of junior athletes who want to feel that they also fit in this kind of support.
“Ang allowance, actually dapat nanggagaling ‘yan sa budget ng school, pero ang Lab High athletes, sinasagot ng school ang uniform during meet tapos ‘yong ibang incentives sinasagot naman ng PTA (Parent-Teacher Association).”
Lab High athletes are not just mere athletes. Playing in the arena is just as tough as solving equations in the book and learning inside the classroom. In this case, the University makes sure that Lab High athletes would not face the burden alone by paying their tuition fees.
With only little support given to them by the COPERS and the small incentives they receive from the PTA, Coach Robles pointed out that the incentives that are given to them are still insufficient to supply their necessities. Thus, they need more to shed out the athletes' abilities during their fights.
"Kagaya ng suporta sa colleges, dapat sa high school gano’n din kasi alam natin na kaunti lang ‘yong population namin pero marami kaming athlete na malaki ‘yong potential when it comes to sports, kaya lang ‘di gaanong nasusuportahan dahil maliit na unit," the coach said.
Athletes are the ones who are really involved whatever the system of the budget is. Lab High football star player Kevin Centeno reacted that the stipend grants they received isn’t enough to maintain their necessities during trainings and tournaments.
"Kulang po, kasi minsan wala po silang binibigay na sariling pera. Masyado pong maliit (competition allowance). Sana po dagdagan ‘yong allowance para po may mai-support kami sa training namin,” said Centeno.
The glory of paying back
Athletes are always informed that all the financial aid that they are enjoying right now comes from their fellow students. As such, pressure sets their discipline to be focused on whatever sports they have tuck in.
“Anuman ang ine-enjoy n’yong (athletes) allowance, uniform at suporta, hindi galing sa BulSU, galing ‘yan sa mga estudyante so we have to repay them through our hard works. I strongly believed that whatever centavo we get from the SCUAA Fee, it is the money of the students,” emphasized Dean Mendoza.
Sports development is not a task done overnight. So if you want to have a good bank, you must have a harmonious relationship with your financial-related people.
Proper utilization and distribution of funds is the task of COPERS, keeping their fair share of duty that will ‘gear’ our Gold Gears to excel in the games. In return, the athletes’ duty is to bring back all the credits by means of doing their mission to win and to bring home all the glory.
Financial support of BulSU can be too much or too short if all of us will wear those two different shoes. It can be the other way around saying yes and saluting all the coaches who believe to have principle in checking the attendance and distributing allowance, or it may be yelling two letters, NO if and only, the college players become so negative and less grateful on the blessings they have.
Whatever will be the judgment, it was still the money coming from every student that matters.