By JADEN ALBERTO

Intern
 

The UAAP announced the introduction of the Best Foreign Student-Athlete (FSA) award for players who will top the statistical points race of any collegiate sport.

This new system was put in place to ensure the balance of recognition between foreign and Filipino student-athletes, while also maintaining the prestige of the MVP award for locals.

“This was actually approved last year for implementation this season. The Best Foreign Student-Athlete award will be given across all UAAP sports but only if a foreign student-athlete finishes as the leader in events where statistical points are available. In that case, they will receive the Best Foreign Student-Athlete award, while the highest-ranking local student-athlete in the statistical race will be recognized as the Most Valuable Player," said UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.

Meanwhile, local student-athletes who finish as the top-performing homegrown talent will receive the MVP distinction.

FSAs will still continue to be eligible for other individual awards, such as selections to All-UAAP Teams or Mythical Teams in their respective sports. Additionally, international student-athletes who previously studied in a Philippine high school can still qualify for Rookie of the Year honors.

“The reason behind this is to ensure that we properly recognize both our local and international student-athletes while maintaining the spirit of the league’s competition,” Saguisag added.

The UAAP official also revealed that since De La Salle University’s Kevin Quiambao topped the statistical points race in the men’s basketball tournament, the FSA award was not applicable and the public was not made aware of it last year.