Aquino wants ‘healthy rivalry’ among politicians like that of Ateneo, La Salle

President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball back-to-back champion Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles, led by two-time UAAP women’s volleyball Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alyssa Valdez, UAAP Season 77 men’s volleyball champion AdMU Blue Spikers, and UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball 1st Runner Up De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers for a group photo souvenir during the Special Luncheon with the AdMU Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Teams and the DLSU Women’s Volleyball Team at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24, 2015). Also in photo are AdMU president Jose Ramon Villarin and Education Secretary Armin Luistro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines– President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said that politicians should embody the humility and unity of rival schools in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) despite their intense competition.

Speaking before volleyball athletes of the rival schools Ateneo de Manila University and the De La Salle University in a luncheon at Malacanang, Aquino said he hope that politicians would emulate the athletes’ “spirit of unity and sportsmanship.”

“Sa panahon ngayon kung saan may mga nagtutulak ng kaguluhan at pagkawatak-watak sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo, at maging dito sa atin, maraming puwedeng matutunan sa ipinapakita ninyong mabuting halimbawa,” Aquino said.

“Ipinapakita ninyo, maging sa mga nakakatanda sa inyo, ang kapangyarihan ng pagpapakumbaba at pakikipagkapwa,” he added.

Aquino said there should be a “healthy rivalry” among politicians saying criticisms should be constructive.

On Tuesday, the athletes of the two rival schools paid a courtesy call at Malacanang after their finals face-off in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.

READ: In photos: Ateneo, La Salle volleyball teams meet with President Aquino

Aquino said the ADMU women’s volleyball team asked for a courtesy call for the President. The President, however, said the DLSU Lady Spikers should also be invited because of their equally stunning performance.

“Sa likod ng matinding kompetisyon at kantyawan ay mga tunay na magkakatuwang at magkakaibigan (kayo),” he said. CC