Dante Alinsunurin is returning as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas Men’s team, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced as part of a broad restructuring of its national team programs.
PNVF executive director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico Suarez said Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, who previously handled the men’s squad, will move to the Alas Pilipinas women’s team on an interim basis.
Alinsunurin led the men’s team to a historic silver medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila. He currently coaches the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP, which has been creating a dynasty since 2010, and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL.
Frigoni to Women’s Side as Part of Sweeping Changes
Frigoni takes over the women’s program as the country begins preparing to host the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup. He brings extensive international experience, having coached Italy’s women’s team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the Netherlands women’s national team.
The federation is keeping its beach volleyball lineup intact after Khy Progella and Sofiah Pagara won bronze in the women’s event at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya. Rebisco will be the main sponsor of the beach volleyball national teams.
The PNVF also changed its team management. Creamline Cool Smashers team coordinator Ma. Carlota Celda replaces Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan as manager of Alas Pilipinas Men, while Jaime Ascalon takes over from Hollie Reyes on the women’s side. Juanito Gregorio was named deputy executive director and will assist Suarez with administrative work.
Strong Group Athletics Gets Involved With Alas Pilipinas
PNVF president Frank Lao, who took office in August, will support Alas Pilipinas Men through Strong Group Athletics, the group behind PVL clubs Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. The federation said the arrangement is meant to avoid conflicts of interest. Lao has also committed to paying players’ allowances on time and has settled debts left by past administrations.
“He wants to eliminate delays in the issuance of allowances, which is why he is disbursing his financial support directly to our national athletes. By doing so, he is setting a clear precedent for other potential sponsors to follow,” said Suarez.
Suarez added that the new appointments are meant to make the federation more accountable and its national teams more competitive.
“These executives bring not only high-level capability, work ethic, and wisdom, but also an unwavering commitment to driving Philippine volleyball to greater heights,” he said. “We are confident that we have the right people, the right vision, and the right strategy to build a national sports federation fully capable of bringing glory to the country on the international stage.”
