NCAA set for centennial kickoff this Saturday

NCAA Policy Board and Management Committee, with the ten coaches and captains for men's basketball

The first collegiate league for athletics is set for its centennial launch on Saturday.

Inspiring legacies of sportsmanship, competitiveness, hope, valor, camaraderie, and power, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) of the Philippines kicks things off at the SM Mall of Asia Arena with the "NCAA Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies Opening Ceremony."

The event will bring together all ten of its member schools, led by this season's host, Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Lyceum president and concurrent Policy Board head for this season Atty. Roberto Laurel shares about their historic achievement, "Ten decades have passed and the NCAA continues to grow and flourish, remaining strong and resilient. The country’s first athletic collegiate league has already produced many icons and legends who exemplify the league’s 100 years of excellence in sports. As we celebrate the centennial season this year, we recognize everyone who is part of the journey –  from those who have inspired legacies in the past 10 decades to those who continue to strive for sportsmanship today and tomorrow. Expect this season to be the most exciting yet."

This season's Management Committee Chairman Hercules Callanta, also from Lyceum, adds, "We are thrilled to showcase to everyone what is in store for them in this historic centennial year of the NCAA. It is also important for schools to support the NCAA, as the league promotes the development and nurturing of character and lifelong skills that can be used by the youth even when they have become professionals."

The league will have these events on tap for its historic season: Men's and Juniors' Basketball both in 5x5 and 3x3, Men's and Women's Volleyball in indoor and Beach as well as Juniors' Volleyball Fiesta, Badminton, Lawn Tennis and Soft Tennis, Football, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Track and Field, and to be capped off by Cheerleading and Street Dance.

Serving as the league's broadcast partner since Season 96, GMA Network is ready to blast out the action onto its vast network offerings. Games will be shown through GTV, as well as Heart of Asia, as well as through the social platforms of NCAA Philippines and GMA Sports. Those based overseas can also watch the action on GMA News TV.

Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso notes, "GMA Network is both proud and honored to be part of the centennial season of the NCAA. The league has remained resilient and true to its core, transcending borders and inspiring legacies over the past decades. As the broadcast partner and home of the NCAA, we look forward to making this historic season truly remarkable and unforgettable, not just for the 10-member schools of the athletic association, but also for its supporters and viewers watching on TV and streaming, across the Philippines and overseas."

Viewers can expect an exciting Opening Ceremony, which will have Martin Javier as its host, alongside Sparkle artists Michael Sager and Faith da Silva, as well as Lexi Gonzales, who spent last season as one of its courtside reporters.

P-Pop group G22 has been tapped to perform this season's theme song, "Own the Future," with Justin de Dios of SB19 is ready to entertain the crowd.

You can catch the much-awaited NCAA Season 100 Opening Ceremony live at the MOA Arena on Saturday, starting at noon, with the broadcast slated at 10:05am on both GMA and Heart of Asia. Those based overseas can watch it on both GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV.

On-court action then follows with a doubleheader. Starting things off are hosts Lyceum tangling with defending champions San Beda at 230pm. It will be then followed by a matchup between Mapua and the College of Saint Benilde at 5pm.

Action then proceeds to the Filoil EcoOil Centre the next day until the conclusion of the first round. Games will be shown LIVE on Tuesdays and Saturday at 11am and 230pm, and at 12nn and 230pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.