03/06/2026
From Vision to Victory: The Inspiring Journey of Coach Jerich and the Rise of BCP Kalasag
Two years ago, BCP Kalasag entered a new chapter in its basketball journey. As the management of Bestlink College of the Philippines, led by Dr. Ryan Ignacio, Team Manager of BCP Kalasag, and Engr. Doni Lleno, Vice President for Administration and Finance and Sports Director, searched for a coach who could help strengthen and elevate the program, they carefully reviewed numerous candidates. The qualifications were strict, and the selection process was thorough.
Through the recommendation of Coach Roderick Santos, one of the pioneers in managing BCPโs sports facilities and the coach of the BCP Volleyball Team, they were introduced to a young and promising coach who was then serving as an assistant coach at Lyceum of the Philippines UniversityโCoach Jerich Elijah Felipe. Upon meeting, both parties immediately discovered a shared vision: to develop a competitive team, build a strong basketball culture, and bring greater pride to the BCP community.
In November 2024, the agreement was finalized, and at just 29 years old, Coach Jerich officially became the new head coach of BCP Kalasag. Accompanied by his trusted assistant coaches, Coach Louis Bontia, his former college teammate, and Coach Neil Titus Carpio, a longtime colleague and teammate in various competitions, Coach Jerich began laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey.
With the coaching staff in place, the next challenge was assembling a team. Since many of the previous players had already graduated, the coaching staff embarked on an extensive recruitment and scouting campaign. They traveled, evaluated talent, and presented a vision that went beyond basketballโa vision of growth, opportunity, and belonging. Their efforts attracted talented student-athletes from different parts of the country, including Bukidnon, Aklan, Iloilo, Surigao, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, and many other provinces. One by one, the future warriors of BCP Kalasag were formed.
From the very beginning, the team shared one common goalโto elevate the name of BCP Kalasag and make it a respected force in the NCRAA. Training sessions became more intense, the players embraced discipline, and everyone committed themselves to a culture of excellence. The countless hours spent in practice, the sacrifices made away from home, and the unwavering dedication of both players and coaches slowly transformed the team into a competitive and determined unit.
The hard work soon paid off. In a historic achievement, BCP Kalasag reached the semifinals and secured the 2nd Runner-Up position. While the championship remained ahead, the accomplishment served as proof that the team's vision was becoming a reality. It strengthened their belief that greater achievements were still within reach. As they often reminded themselves, โPwede pa! Kaya pa!โ
Motivated by this success, the team raised its standards even higher. Practices became more demanding, discipline became stricter, and every member of the program worked harder than ever. The journey was not without challenges. Limited opportunities for tune-up games and the need to share facilities with various school activities tested the team's resilience. Yet despite these obstacles, they never lost sight of their goal.
Supported by dedicated sponsors, guided by the unwavering leadership of Dr. Ryan Ignacio and Engr. Doni Lleno, and fueled by the determination of every player and coach, BCP Kalasag entered Season 32 of the NCRAA with renewed confidence and purpose. They competed against some of the league's most established and respected colleges and universities, continuously proving that they belonged among the best.
Today, after years of perseverance, sacrifice, and relentless commitment, BCP Kalasag proudly stands on the biggest stage of the NCRAA. After battling through multiple seasons and overcoming every challenge that came their way, they have earned a place in the NCRAA Finals, where they will face the three-time defending champions, the ICC Blue Hawks. More importantly, they have already achieved something truly specialโthey have united and inspired the entire BCP community.
For Coach Jerich, this moment is more than just reaching the Finalsโit is the fulfillment of a promise, the result of countless sacrifices, sleepless nights, and unwavering faith in a dream that many thought was impossible. Ito ang bunga ng bawat pawis na tumulo sa training, bawat pagod na tiniis, bawat pagkakataong pinili nilang lumaban kaysa sumuko.
Hindi lang ito pangarap ni Coach Jerich. Pangarap ito ng bawat manlalaro na umalis sa kanilang mga probinsya para suotin ang jersey ng BCP Kalasag. Pangarap ito ng bawat taong naniwala sa team mula pa noong simula. At ngayon, unti-unti nang nagiging realidad ang pangarap na minsang tila napakalayo.
Sa bawat laban na kanilang nalampasan, mas pinatunayan nilang walang imposible kapag may disiplina, tiwala sa isa't isa, at pusong handang magsakripisyo para sa iisang layunin. Hindi pa man natatapos ang kanilang kwento, masasabi na nilang nagtagumpay na silaโdahil nabago nila ang pananaw, nabuo nila ang pagkakaisa, at naipakita nila sa buong BCP community na ang pangarap ay kayang abutin basta't hindi ka tumitigil sa paghabol dito.
ITO ANG BUNGA NG PAGTITIYAGA...
ITO ANG KATUPARAN NG ISANG PANGARAP...
AT PARA KAY COACH JERICH AT SA BUONG BCP KALASAG...
ITO PA LAMANG ANG SIMULA.
"ITO NA ANG BAGONG BCP KALASAG Ang Kalasag natin Tungo sa Kampeonato."