The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has reunited the core of Alas Pilipinas Women that delivered the country’s breakthrough international success over the past two years, while naming Japanese mentor Takayuki Minowa as the team’s head coach for the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Friday that Minowa will lead the national team in the continental meet, which will be held from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.
According to Tolentino, POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan has already formalized Minowa’s appointment, which takes effect on July 1 and will run until October 15.
Jia De Guzman Leads Alas Pilipinas Pool
The women’s pool features many of the players who formed the original Alas Pilipinas squad that captured a historic bronze medal in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup before improving to a silver-medal finish the following year.
Named to the pool are team captain Jia De Guzman, Jennifer Nierva, Justine Jazareno, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Angel Canino, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, Janette Panaga, Niña Ytang, Dawn Catindig, Marga Cayuna, Dell Palomata, Amie Provido, Alleiah Malaluan, Mars Alba, Shaira Jardio, and Arah Panique.
The POC has also sought the full cooperation of the PVL through its president, Ricky Palou, and commissioner, Sherwin Malonzo, with the majority of the national team members currently under contract with PVL clubs.
The appointments come as the POC continues to oversee the country’s national volleyball program following the FIVB’s suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
Serving as caretaker of Philippine volleyball, the POC is responsible for preparing and managing the national teams for major multi-sport competitions, including the Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, and the Olympic cycle.
