LOOK: UAAP's new logo for season 84 is inspired by the sport 'sipa'

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) got a new look!

As it gears up for its return since the beginning of the pandemic, the league unveiled its new logo on One News' The Game on Dec. 17.

Earlier in the year, a design contest for the branding was opened to UAAP students to reflect the contemporary sports culture in the country.

The winning entry was from Far Eastern University student Darryl Digal, who took inspiration from the sport, sipa.

"Yung sipa, it taught me to be competitive before. When I was young and started playing that game, nakaka-excite. Once na matalo ka, mahulog mo yung sipa, turn naman ng kaibigan mo. Parang nagiging exchange of experiences siya for me and I think that's what UAAP is about." he said.

As the winner of the contest, Digal will receive P100,000, a trophy, and a certificate.

The UAAP announced today the winning entry in the UAAP Logo Design Contest. UAAP President Emmanuel Calanog named the entry of Darryl John Digal of Far Eastern University as the top prize winner from among 200 submissions. pic.twitter.com/c5VzteDlrL

— FEU Tamaraws (@FEU_Tamaraws) December 17, 2021

UAAP president Nonong Calanog said it was time to change the logo as it would usher in a new era.

"We felt that since we're coming out of a pandemic and we were starting again—hopefully by the first quarter of 2022—it would be a perfect occasion for a rebirth," he said. The change marks the first time the league changed its logo in eight decades.

The collegiate sports league was put on a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's eyeing to relaunch its basketball season in February, with volleyball opening mid-April.

For its return, the UAAP is ramping up vaccination for all student-athletes so they can participate in training and games. They are also retrofitting sports facilities and venues to maintain minimum public health standards.