We are the ones demonstrating to the world what women can achieve. We are the ones showing that power isn’t determined by one’s gender.
A powerful declaration made by Achrissa Maw from the University of the Philippines (UP) women’s basketball team during the Third Sunflower Run-Walk-Parade event held on March 22, 2025, at the UP Diliman campus academic oval.
“Recognition of Women, Hope for Youth” is the theme of the event during Women’s Month, which also honored UP women athletes.
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The member institutions of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) go head-to-head in 20 different sporting events. These competitions include both Men’s and Women’s categories across most sports; however, exceptions apply to certain games. Baseball involves only male athletes, whereas softball is exclusively played by female participants.
From 1938 onwards, the University of the Philippines’ female squads emerged as champions across various sports: they won 21 titles in swimming, 12 in judo, 9 in badminton, 8 in volleyball, 7 in basketball, 6 in table tennis, 5 in fencing, 3 each in softball and chess, 2 in taekwondo gyeorugi, along with one title each in football and taekwondo poomsae.
Softball competition takes place exclusively in the women’s division, which began in 1953. The University of the Philippines claimed the title four times: during Season 58 (1995–96), Season 59 (1996–97), Season 64 (2001–02), and Season 70 (2007–08).
In women’s basketball, the University of the Philippines (UP) clinched the championship title seven times: during Season 39 ([1976–77]), Season 40 (1977–78), Season 41 (1978–79), Season 43 (1980–81), Season 44 (1981–82), Season 45 (1982–83), and Season 46 (1983–84). For men’s basketball, UP secured their championship victories in 1939, 1986, 2022, and 2024.
In women’s swimming, UP claimed the championship 21 times: during Season 2 (1939–40), Season 3 (1940–41), Season 10 (1947–48), Season 27 (1964–65), Season 28 (1965–66), Season 29 (1966–67), Season 51 (1988–89), Season 54 (1991–92), Season 56 (1993–94), Season 57 (1994–95), Season 58 (1995–96), Season 60 (1997–98), Season 61 (1998–99), Season 62 (1999–00), Season 72 (2009–10), Season 73 (2010–11), Season 74 (2011–12), Season 75 (2012–13), Season 76 (2013–14), Season 79 (2016–17), and Season 86 (2023–24).
In women’s volleyball, UP claimed the championship title eight times: during Season 1 (1938–39), Season 10 (1947–48), Season 12 (1949–50), Season 14 (1951–52), Season 25 (1962–63), Season 40 (1977–78), Season 42 (1979–80), and Season 45 (1982–83).
During the inaugural season of 1938-39, female teams made their debut in volleyball, whereas male squads took to the court for the first time eight seasons later in 1946-47. The University of the Philippines emerged as victors in that initial campaign.
In basketball, female teams made their debut during Season 13 (1950-51), with University of the Philippines securing their initial victory in Season 39 (1976–77).
The UP women athletes achieved a series of wins in badminton over six seasons from 1995 to 2000, in swimming across five seasons from 2009 to 2013, in fencing during five seasons spanning 2000 to 2004, in basketball throughout four seasons between 1980 and 1983, in judo through two separate periods each covering four seasons: first from 1999 to 2002 and then from 2006 to 2009, and also in table tennis consistently over four seasons ranging from 1997 to 2000.
In Season 87, hosted by UP, the ladies’ squad has secured first place in badminton, second place in swimming, and third place in track and field so far.
The United Nations officially acknowledged International Women’s Day in 1977, which is observed annually on March 8. This day celebrates the accomplishments of women across all boundaries, including nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, languages, cultures, economics, and politics.
In March, it was proclaimed as Women’s Month following President Cory Aquino signing Proclamation Number 288 on March 17, 1988. This proclamation highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino women in various fields such as society, culture, economy, and politics over our nation’s history.
We aren’t merely typical athletes; we serve as role models and leaders,” Maw stated. “We motivate the next cohort of young women to pursue their aspirations, stand firm without backing down, and recognize their true value.
The parade participants consist of female University of the Philippines athletes from sports such as basketball, chess, fencing, judo, softball, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Additionally, groups like the Filipiniana dancers, street dance ensemble, and varsity pep drummers will also join in.
Sunflower serves as an emblem of female empowerment during the suffrage movement.
Women in Kansas adorned themselves with sunflower pins when advocating for their voting rights back in 1867. Despite the failure of the Kansas referendum, the color yellow stayed symbolic within the suffragette movement throughout the 20th century.
Sunflowers have also turned into the emblem of the final milestones in college life.
Sunflowers represent dedication and commitment as residents cleared all academic hurdles with sleepless and turbulent days and nights.
Just like how a single sunflower within the schoolyard requires ample sunlight to thrive, each student should view every encounter at the university as essential for their personal development.
The event was spearheaded by several female-led organizations from the University of the Philippines (UP), including UP Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority, UP Portia Sorority, UP Women in Law, Women Lawyers Circle, along with UP Concert Chorus and their corresponding alumni associations such as IBP Quezon City, UP Law Class of 1985, Kontra GaPi, Maritime Law Association of the Philippines, and Celebrity Club.
We aren’t merely engaged in a game; we’re transforming the rules of engagement. We’re altering how stories get told and making an impact on society at large,” declared Maw. “We won’t remain unheard, pushed aside, or dismissed. Instead, we’ll keep expanding limits, shattering stereotypes, and etching ourselves into historical memory.
(Pey ups serves as the moniker for the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho leads the Seafarers’ Division at the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For feedback, send an email.)
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