The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) will kick off 2024 with a new partner. This is after it was announced that the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will be the new backer of the Fighting Maroons in the team’s journey towards excellence this coming UAAP Season 87.

BPI, the first bank in Southeast Asia, pledges its support for the country’s premier state university, solidifying its role in shaping the youth and amplifying its reach across the younger generation.

“We are happy to welcome BPI to the Fighting Maroons family and to the UP Community,” said UPMBT manager Atty. Agaton Uvero. “As we prepare for UAAP Season 87 that, incidentally, the University of the Philippines is hosting, this tie-up will play a big role in our ongoing quest for excellence. The support we get from institutions like BPI uplifts our spirits and inspires us to aim for the ultimate goal. We thank BPI for their faith in our team.”

TG Limcaoco, BPI President and CEO, emphasized the significance of empowering the youth and fostering a culture of growth, stating, “BPI is proud to support the UP Fighting Maroons. Through this partnership, we aim to inspire the younger generation to do more and embrace values of excellence and hard work, traits that both UP and BPI hold dear.”

Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde also expressed his appreciation and excitement for this new partnership. “We are grateful to BPI for believing in the team and for giving us this kind of support. Their faith in us is very inspiring and we are excited to give back to our partners and sponsors and to the UP Community, on and off the court,” Monteverde said.

With BPI’s backing, the UPMBT is poised to make waves not only in the sporting arena but also in nurturing future leaders and champions.