Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday encouraged the Philippine women’s national volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, to remain persistent not only in their individual capabilities but also as a cohesive unit in order to foster the Filipinos’ love for athletics.
“Whether your goal is to be a better person or a better player, if you have an advocacy for the whole sport, let’s work together,” Cayetano said at a thanksgiving dinner in the city of Taguig on June 4, 2024.
The senator, who is Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), congratulated the entire team for their podium finish, marking the first time in 63 years that a Philippine team secured the bronze medal at the country’s hosting of the 2024 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup.
“Volleyball is there. I do know that individually, our players, our coaching staff, you all have advocacies. Let’s just be persistent,” he said.
“As we go on, we really have to act like a community, like a family, in that sense, makikinabang y’ung next generation of players,” he added.
Cayetano gave assurance that he, together with PNVF President Ramon Suzara, will continue to support the athletes.
“From the background, we’ll do what we can. I’m hoping we can do more for the entire volleyball community,” he said.
Cayetano also expressed hopes that the triumph of the team will be recognized not only for their medal win but also for the commercial potential of volleyball.
After their electrifying championship, Alas Pilipinas has elevated the Philippines in the FIVB women’s volleyball global rankings, moving from 63rd to 55th place.
The nation’s representatives will remain intact as they compete in the upcoming 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup in July at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where Manila will be one of the host cities. They will also participate in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
