Robert-Milton A. Calo with FESSAP President, Edwin-Fabro (right) is congratulated for a job welll accomplished participation in the 32nd World University Games in Dusseldorf and Berlin, Germany last July 2025. ROBERT MILTON DE ASIS CALO
November 14, 1947 – January 1, 2026
Passed away at Macau Hospital at 23:34 on New Year’s Day, aged 79
FESSAP Condolence Message
It is with profound sorrow that the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) announces the passing of Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo, our esteemed Executive Vice President and Co-Chair of the FESSAP Executive Committee, on January 1, 2026.
Prof. Calo’s leadership, dedication, and vision were instrumental in shaping the growth of university sports in the Philippines. His tireless commitment to student-athletes and his invaluable contributions to FESSAP will forever be remembered and honored.
On November 29, 2025, Prof. Calo attended the General Assembly of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) in Macao, accompanied by Prof. Gerardo Sergio of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. Even in his final months, his devotion to advancing university sports remained steadfast.
Prof. Calo leaves behind unfinished work close to his heart, particularly the revival of the Philippine Inter-Schools, Colleges, and Universities Athletic Association (PISCUAA), which he founded in 1998. In his memory, I vow to continue this mission, ensuring that PISCUAA thrives under the affiliation of FESSAP and PISSA, as he wished.
Since the founding of FESSAP in 1999, Prof. Calo was my alter ego and partner in building the federation. He brought in organizations such as PISCUAA, PRISAA, and SCUAA, while I contributed the Basketball Association of the Philippines, PICAA, MASA, and other leagues. At that time, Prof. Calo was the Athletic Director of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), where the first FESSAP Secretariat was housed.
Together, we worked tirelessly to establish a system that welcomed over 600 colleges and universities into FESSAP, with the most affordable membership fee in the country. Our goal was never financial gain, but to open doors for student-athletes to compete internationally.
In 2007, FESSAP achieved membership in the International University Sports Federation (FISU). This milestone was realized when Robert and I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet then FISU President George Killian, a longtime friend from the basketball community dating back to my years with FIBA in 1998, when George himself was FIBA President.
Despite opposition from a few individuals in Asia who sought to block our membership, President Killian assured Robert and me that FESSAP would be welcomed into FISU. His promise was fulfilled, and with it, Robert’s vision for Philippine university sports gained international recognition.
Prof. Calo later served as the first FESSAP President and continued to lead as Chairman of the Membership Committee and Universiade Monitoring Committee. He also held key positions as Vice President of the Orienteering-Philippines, the Korfball Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA)—all affiliated with international federations. He was Co-Chair of the FESSAP Executive Committee, a guiding force in the Philippine University Volleyball League, former President of the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), Vice President of the Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU), and President of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
One of our shared dreams was to build a permanent FESSAP Headquarters, a lasting monument to more than 25 years of history. This vision will remain part of our unfinished business, but it will be pursued in his honor.
On behalf of the federation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Prof. Calo. We share in your grief and stand with you during this difficult time. Financial matters and related concerns will be discussed upon your return to the Philippines, and we will remain in close communication to provide support.
Prof. Calo’s legacy will continue to inspire FESSAP and the entire university sports community. His memory will live on in the countless student-athletes and colleagues whose lives he touched.
I will deeply miss my brother-in-arms, my partner, and my friend.
Someday, we shall meet again eternally.
With deepest sympathy,
Graham C. Lim
CEO/Secretary General, FESSAP Inc.
November 14, 1947 – January 1, 2026
Passed away at Macau Hospital at 23:34 on New Year’s Day, aged 79
FESSAP Condolence Message
It is with profound sorrow that the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) announces the passing of Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo, our esteemed Executive Vice President and Co-Chair of the FESSAP Executive Committee, on January 1, 2026.
Prof. Calo’s leadership, dedication, and vision were instrumental in shaping the growth of university sports in the Philippines. His tireless commitment to student-athletes and his invaluable contributions to FESSAP will forever be remembered and honored.
On November 29, 2025, Prof. Calo attended the General Assembly of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF) in Macao, accompanied by Prof. Gerardo Sergio of De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. Even in his final months, his devotion to advancing university sports remained steadfast.
Prof. Calo leaves behind unfinished work close to his heart, particularly the revival of the Philippine Inter-Schools, Colleges, and Universities Athletic Association (PISCUAA), which he founded in 1998. In his memory, I vow to continue this mission, ensuring that PISCUAA thrives under the affiliation of FESSAP and PISSA, as he wished.
Since the founding of FESSAP in 1999, Prof. Calo was my alter ego and partner in building the federation. He brought in organizations such as PISCUAA, PRISAA, and SCUAA, while I contributed the Basketball Association of the Philippines, PICAA, MASA, and other leagues. At that time, Prof. Calo was the Athletic Director of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), where the first FESSAP Secretariat was housed.
Together, we worked tirelessly to establish a system that welcomed over 600 colleges and universities into FESSAP, with the most affordable membership fee in the country. Our goal was never financial gain, but to open doors for student-athletes to compete internationally.
In 2007, FESSAP achieved membership in the International University Sports Federation (FISU). This milestone was realized when Robert and I traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet then FISU President George Killian, a longtime friend from the basketball community dating back to my years with FIBA in 1998, when George himself was FIBA President.
Despite opposition from a few individuals in Asia who sought to block our membership, President Killian assured Robert and me that FESSAP would be welcomed into FISU. His promise was fulfilled, and with it, Robert’s vision for Philippine university sports gained international recognition.
Prof. Calo later served as the first FESSAP President and continued to lead as Chairman of the Membership Committee and Universiade Monitoring Committee. He also held key positions as Vice President of the Orienteering-Philippines, the Korfball Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA)—all affiliated with international federations. He was Co-Chair of the FESSAP Executive Committee, a guiding force in the Philippine University Volleyball League, former President of the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), Vice President of the Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU), and President of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
One of our shared dreams was to build a permanent FESSAP Headquarters, a lasting monument to more than 25 years of history. This vision will remain part of our unfinished business, but it will be pursued in his honor.
On behalf of the federation, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Prof. Calo. We share in your grief and stand with you during this difficult time. Financial matters and related concerns will be discussed upon your return to the Philippines, and we will remain in close communication to provide support.
Prof. Calo’s legacy will continue to inspire FESSAP and the entire university sports community. His memory will live on in the countless student-athletes and colleagues whose lives he touched.
I will deeply miss my brother-in-arms, my partner, and my friend.
Someday, we shall meet again eternally.
With deepest sympathy,
Graham C. Lim
CEO/Secretary General, FESSAP Inc.
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