Bo Perasol’s journey with the University of the Philippines has come full circle as he takes on the role of the new Director of the Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD).
“Actually, my emotions are mixed due to the enormity of the task. There are over 700 student-athletes in Diliman alone, and my intention is to get to know each of them so that we can learn how to move forward not only for them but also for future student-athletes,” he said after his appointment was confirmed on Wednesday.
“What we want to achieve is for the office to be ready to cater to the needs of UP student-athletes. Mixed emotions, but mostly excitement because now my task is not just to oversee the basketball program but all of UP’s programs.”
Previously, Perasol was the program director for the Fighting Maroons’ men’s basketball team, architecting State U’s first championship since 1986. Through his leadership, talents like Carl Tamayo, Zavier Lucero, Malick Diouf, and JD Cagulangan chose to represent the maroon-and-green.
For the four years prior, the 52-year-old led UP himself, accumulating a 28-28 record on the sidelines. He guided the Fighting Maroons out of their challenging times when they only won 13 times from 2008 to 2015, into becoming strong contenders.
“Ang ginawa ko lang naman dun is to be part of the team. When I was a coach, andami kong jina-juggle kasi, from game plans to allowances to sponsors, so when I was program director, ako lang yung nandun para maging link ng lahat so the coaching staff can focus on the game,” he said.
“I’m hoping the same structure can be realized sa OASD: cooperation ng alumni, participation ng community, support ng school administration, and determination ng coaches and players. Yun yung nakita kong critical factors para maging successful yung endeavor.”
Now, Perasol assumes the role of the first-ever athletic director overseeing all eight campuses of the UP system, supervising each sport and event in which the Fighting Maroons compete.
He will join the UAAP’s Board of Managing Directors alongside Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan as school representatives, leading recruitment for players and coaches, connecting with alumni for support, and overseeing student-athletes’ academics, health, nutrition, and future, according to UP President Angelo Jimenez’s official appointment.
Over three decades ago, the South Cotabato native was one of those student-athletes, leaving his hometown to play for Diliman’s basketball team. He played in the UAAP for five years and was team captain for his last two seasons.
Now the captain of all UP sports, Perasol aims to guide the current Iskolar-Atleta ng Bayan to become their best selves. This involves unifying alumni support and ensuring the Fighting Maroons are competitive on and off the court.
“Yun naman ang intensyon ko at purpose ng office: to help the university and its student-athletes in whatever way we can. Kung ano man yung kulang, pupunan natin kasi unlike other schools, libre ang lahat sa UP so walang mapagkukunan ng funds per se,” he said.
“Of course, we will always welcome yung generosity ng alumni natin, but at the same time, we have to make sure na may iba pang mapagkukunan. We want this new office to be self-sustaining din, in a way.”
As Perasol prepares for another challenge, he can rest assured that he’s already overcome hurdles, paving the way for many more to follow suit. From a time when a single victory was cause for celebration to now where a championship is the expectation, he has been in the midst of it all as the Fighting Maroons transformed into the ‘Winning’ Maroons.
“I’m not expecting to stay long as OASD Director. First and foremost, I just want na ma-institutionalize yung pag-aalaga sa lahat ng student-athletes sa lahat ng UP. If we do that, I’ll be more than happy,” he said.
“I always believe na ang proof ng leadership is kung kayang tumakbo ng isang bagay kahit hindi na ikaw ang nagpapatakbo. Hopefully, ganun din ang magawa natin dito.”
