Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Pato Gregorio emphasized that the focus should remain on the national team and athlete development amid the ongoing issues surrounding Philippine volleyball’s governance.
Speaking after Alas Pilipinas’ straight-set victory over Kyrgyzstan in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, Gregorio said matters involving the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation are already being handled by the International Volleyball Federation and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
“I don’t want to comment on that because nandoon na po ’yan sa FIVB and assignment po ’yan ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Basta sa amin lang po, kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, gusto lang namin na talagang ang focus is on the national team program,” said Gregorio.
“So, ako naman, naniniwala na ’yung FIVB, together with the Asian Volleyball Confederation, ay ma-solve kaagad ’yang issue na ’yan on the Philippine National Volleyball Federation. Sana sa lalong madaling panahon.”
His remarks came after the FIVB suspended the PNVF over governance concerns, prompting the creation of an ad hoc committee to oversee volleyball affairs in the country while a path to reinstatement is established.
Volleyball Must Come First
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the federation, Gregorio stressed that preparations for the country’s volleyball programs and international hosting commitments must continue uninterrupted.
“Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors. So ayaw namin ng hidwaan lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad,” he said.
The PSC chairman reiterated that the Philippines’ long-term objective remains unchanged, particularly with the country set to host the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.
“Ang sa akin po, programa. We are hosting the World Championship in 2029. Before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin ’yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta,” Gregorio said.
“But despite that, nakita niyo naman, nandito pa rin tayo, itinuloy natin ’to. The show must go on because this is not about the federation. This is about your national team. It’s all about the national athlete. It’s all about the volleyball players.”
Candon Pines for More International Hostings
Meanwhile, Candon City Mayor Eric Singson expressed pride in hosting another major international volleyball event, highlighting the benefits it has brought to the local community.
“Well, very exciting. Of course, exciting. Excited ako pag nananalo ang Philippines, and of course, it’s an honor to host this big event,” said Singson.
The mayor noted that staging major sporting events has helped generate economic activity in the city while strengthening its reputation as a reliable host for national and international competitions.
“Well, ang mga mamamayan dito sa Candon, they are so happy. In actual economic terms, kumikita ’yung mga tindahan namin and mga hotels, resorts, lahat ng bagay na kakailanganin ng mga manonood,” he said.
With the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup running smoothly, Gregorio maintained that the spotlight should remain on the athletes representing the country and the continued growth of Philippine volleyball despite the challenges surrounding its governing body.
