SM Supermalls, National University set standard for excellence in education and sport

MANILA, Philippines — SM Supermalls congratulates National University (NU) for its strong showing in the first half of UAAP Season 88, recognizing a season defined by discipline, teamwork and leadership across sports and academics.

As a proud sponsor of NU, SM Supermalls supports the university’s pursuit of excellence, where performance goes beyond podium finishes and reflects a culture built on preparation, access, focus and sustained support from its community and partners.

Across courts and classrooms, NU continues to prove what long-term investment and discipline can achieve. In the first semester of UAAP Season 88, NU delivered multiple podium finishes, securing championships in Cheerleading, Men’s Athletics, Women’s Chess, U-16 Basketball, and Girls’ Volleyball. The results reflect depth and consistency across programs, with athletes trained to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most.

Cheerleading stood at the center of that momentum. The NU Pep Squad delivered a record-breaking ninth UAAP Cheerdance Competition title, reinforcing its status as one of the league’s most dominant teams. The performance, defined by precision and composure, reflected months of preparation and a culture where excellence is sustained through discipline and intent.

NU student-athletes celebrate a podium finish in athletics, reflecting the university’s strength across multiple sports in UAAP Season 88

“NU’s achievements reflect what happens when education is built on the right environment and values. Sports play a vital role in a holistic approach to learning, helping shape discipline, resilience and leadership alongside academics. As a proud sponsor of NU, SM Supermalls remains committed to supporting the development of well-rounded student-athletes and graduates who are ready to contribute to the country,” said Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing at SM Supermalls.

NU’s competitiveness extended well beyond its championship titles. The university secured first runner-up finishes in Women’s Basketball, Boys’ Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball, Women’s Badminton and Girls’ Chess. These results underscored the consistency of NU programs, with teams repeatedly reaching finals and contending at the competition.

NU Nazareth Boys’ Volleyball Team in action, showcasing grit, teamwork and the strong grassroots development that fuels National University’s competitive pipeline.

NU also posted second runner-up finishes in Men’s Basketball, Men’s Badminton and Boys’ Athletics, further reinforcing the breadth of its athletic performance across divisions and age groups.

For San Agustin, the depth of NU’s results highlights how opportunity and performance reinforce each other. “NU’s strong showing across multiple sports shows that when programs are supported consistently, excellence follows. SM Supermalls will continue to support platforms that give student-athletes the space and support to compete, grow and lead.”

That commitment is visible across NU campuses integrated within SM developments. Facilities follow a functional, energy-efficient design that helps manage costs and keep education accessible. This allows NU to focus resources on faculty, training and student services that directly support student success.

NU Women’s Basketball battled through UAAP Season 88, finishing as first runner-up after a disciplined and resilient campaign.

Beyond sports, NU continues to strengthen academic programs aligned with industry needs, including engineering, technology, architecture, psychology and business, while delivering high-quality education. The same discipline that drives athletic performance carries into classrooms, shaping graduates who are prepared for work, leadership, and long-term contribution.

NU president and CEO Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr. credits the season’s success to the people behind the results. “These wins reflect the heart and hard work of our students, coaches and faculty. With the support of SM Supermalls, we stay focused on building student-athletes who lead with integrity on and off the court.”

Guided by the principle, "Stay focused. Stay hungry. Stay humble," National University continues to produce champions in sport and leaders in life.

As NU continues its UAAP Season 88 campaign and strengthens its academic footprint, SM Supermalls stands alongside the institution, not just celebrating victories, but investing in what comes next. Together, they continue to build champions in sport and leaders in life, grounded in performance, purpose and progress.

SM Supermalls congratulates NU and reaffirms its commitment to support the university as a platform for leadership, opportunity and high-impact education that strengthens Filipino communities.

Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by SM. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.

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