Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio praised Alas Pilipinas for its strong showing in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Volleyball Cup as the team continued its campaign in Candon City despite ongoing issues surrounding the national federation.

The Philippine squad rebounded from a five-set loss to Australia with a dominant straight-set win over Kyrgyzstan, 25-9, 25-11, 25-17, at the Candon City Arena on Monday, June 8.

Strong Bounce-Back Win

Alas Pilipinas delivered a commanding performance against Kyrgyzstan, controlling the match from start to finish and strengthening its position in Pool A of the 12-nation tournament.

The victory followed a tough five-set defeat to Australia, but the team quickly regained momentum against Kyrgyzstan to stay competitive in a tight group that also includes Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Australia.

PSC chairman Gregorio praised both the national team and the host city, highlighting the importance of sustained support for athlete development programs.

He also recognized the efforts of Candon City officials led by Mayor Eric D. Singson for successfully hosting the international tournament and boosting local sports tourism.

Gregorio stressed that focus must remain on the national team program as the Philippines prepares for future international hosting duties, including the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship in 2029.

Federation Issues Backdrop

The tournament continues amid the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation due to governance concerns and alleged violations of the FIVB code of ethics. An ad hoc committee has been formed to oversee federation operations during the transition period.

Despite administrative issues, Gregorio reiterated that the priority remains athlete development and national team competition, regardless of organizational challenges.

Alas Pilipinas improved to a 2-1 record in Pool A following the win, with key contributions from Thea Gagate and Jovelyn Gonzaga on both offense and defense.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals, making every remaining match critical for qualification and world ranking points.

Candon City officials expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting, noting the positive impact on local businesses and community engagement as the tournament continues.