The 19th Philippine National Cheerleading Championship (NCC), held on March 29, 2026 at the Ateneo de Manila University Gymnasium, gathered hundreds of cheerleading teams from across the country in a celebration of athleticism, discipline, and teamwork. Representing the University of the Cordilleras, the UC Dance Squad – Cheer Jags competed in three major categories: Open Pom Pair, Senior COED Group Stunts, and Open COED Advanced.
As one of the longest-running and most respected platforms for cheerleading in the Philippines, the NCC continues to shape the national cheer community by providing opportunities for growth, exposure, and excellence. For the UC Cheer Jags, participation in this competition is more than a pursuit of medals, it is a commitment to continuous development, discipline, and purposeful training.
Following the revival of the University’s cheerleading program in May 2023, the team has embraced its identity as a developing yet determined program. Rather than rushing toward championship titles, the coaching staff has prioritized building a strong foundation grounded in proper technique, safety, and athlete development. True to the University’s mission of nurturing competence and character, the program transforms beginners into competitive athletes through structured training, mentorship, and values formation.
The team’s progress has been both steady and inspiring. In March 2024, the Cheer Jags marked a remarkable comeback, securing Champion in COED Group Stunts Level 5 and 1st Runner-Up in Pom Pair. By March 2025, during their debut in the Open COED Advanced division, the team placed 5th out of 14 competing teams, a notable achievement given the experience level of their competitors.
In 2026, the Cheer Jags once again claimed 5th place in Open COED Advanced, but with a significantly stronger and more refined performance. Their improvement did not go unnoticed, earning recognition from seasoned cheerleading veterans who observed the team’s growth in execution, synchronization, and overall performance quality. This consistent upward trajectory reflects the program’s long-term vision: progress over prestige, development over immediate victory.
Participation in national competitions such as the NCC directly supports the University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): by promoting physical fitness, discipline, and mental resilience through sports
SDG 4 (Quality Education): by providing experiential learning and skills development beyond the classroom
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): by offering opportunities for students of all skill levels to grow and succeed
SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): through engagement with national sports communities and institutions
Beyond competition, the UC Cheer Jags embody the University’s vision of producing globally competitive graduates rooted in integrity and excellence. As a team representing the Cordillera region, they proudly demonstrate that talent, when nurtured through dedication and proper guidance, can rise to meet national standards.
More importantly, the Cheer Jags stand as a powerful message to aspiring athletes: skill is not a prerequisite, but a result of commitment, discipline, and the right environment. With knowledgeable coaches and a supportive team culture, even beginners can be transformed into confident, competitive performers.
As the program continues to evolve, the UC Cheer Jags remain steadfast in their mission, to inspire, to uplift, and to prove that excellence is a journey shaped by perseverance. In time, with sustained growth and experience, they are poised not only to compete but to lead and redefine cheerleading excellence in the years to come.
Author: Dr. Peejay Natiola | CCP Director
