Alas Pilipinas Under-16 has shifted into full preparation mode for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship in Chile, with a seven-month runway expected to include overseas training and an expanded talent pool.

The squad, composed of 12 high school standouts, now turns its attention to long-term development after proving competitive despite having just two weeks to prepare before its Asian campaign.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara emphasized the importance of this milestone, calling the qualification a turning point for the future generation of national talent.

Head coach Edwin Leyva welcomed the extended preparation period and the support from Suzara and the Asian Volleyball Confederation in planning a comprehensive buildup.

“We’ll have more time to get ready probably around six to seven months before the tournament in Chile,” Leyva said. “There’s also a possibility that we’ll train abroad so we can learn and adopt the systems used in Japan, Korea or Chinese Taipei.”

Expanded pool, future-driven approach

Leyva is looking to broaden the lineup beyond the 12 players who made history, stressing the need to strengthen depth and competition internally.

“Hopefully, we can expand the training pool to make it a bit bigger. That way, we can pull players from the remaining pool when needed,” he said. “We either have to strengthen the lineup or maintain it, depending on the team’s unity and camaraderie.”

Team captain Xyz Rayco, one of the top scorers of the Asian tournament, said the team is committed to maximizing this opportunity with renewed motivation at a young age.

“I’m really inspired because I’m still young, yet we’ve already come this far,” Rayco said. “There’s still a higher level ahead of us.”

Young core ready to elevate training

Opposite spiker Nadeth Herbon said the team is eager to resume training immediately, while middle blocker Madele Gale and key playmakers Resty Jane Olaguir and Frances Ramos headline a group that showed both talent and promise against Asia’s best.

All 12 players remain eligible for next year’s world championships, having been born in either 2010 or 2011.

For Leyva, the long-term vision remains rooted in early development and continuity across age groups.

“We wanted this group to set the standard for our mass-based program,” he said. “With just two weeks of preparation, the team has already achieved a lot.”