The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has issued a pointed challenge to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Alas Pilipinas: Perform well in the soon-to-be-held Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup (formerly known as AVC Women’s Challenge Cup).
“Let me give a message, my very personal and really heartfelt message to the national team, through the PNVF. Please perform very well,” said PSC Chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio during the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup Draw held on Friday at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. “Please perform with all your heart, because this is not just a commercial tournament—this is the national team of the Philippines.”
Gregorio then upped the ante for Alas Pilipinas as he enjoined the national team to prove it can compete against elite adversaries in return for more support.
“If you want to get the support of the Philippine Sports Commission, if you want to get more support from PSC, please prove to us that you have that big heart to compete against the best in the world,” Gregorio quipped.
Alas Pilipinas Invites Already Sent—Report
That is the backdrop the PNVF will have to take into account as it forms the Alas Pilipinas squad that will compete in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup set to take place from June 6 to 14 at Candon, Ilocos Sur.
According to a report by Joey Villar of The Philippine Star, the process of forming the national team is already in motion as the PNVF has sent out invitations to several players. The federation, Villar said, is expecting responses within the week. Further, a maximum of 27 players—14 from the PVL and 13 from the collegiate ranks—will be invited to comprise the Alas Pilipinas pool, also according to Villar.
Former Ateneo Blue Eagles coach Tai Bundit will take the helm for the 46th-ranked Alas Pilipinas, who will be in Pool A alongside world No. 37 Chinese Taipei, No. 40 South Korea, No. 60 Kyrgyzstan, No. 73 Australia, and No. 87 Uzbekistan.
