Senate commends Alas Pilipinas for historic performance in FIVB worlds

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COMMENDABLE FINISH. Senators pose with Philippine National Volleyball Federation officials and Alas Pilipinas members for a group photo at the Session Hall on Wednesday (Oct. 1, 2025). The Senate has adopted a resolution congratulating the Philippine team for its historic 19th-place finish at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship. (Contributed photo)

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MANILA – The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution filed by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano congratulating Alas Pilipinas for its historic 19th-place finish at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

Cayetano, who sponsored Proposed Senate Resolution No. 143, said the team’s breakthrough run “brought immense pride and honor” to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.

“Sports brings Filipinos together. This team not only made us proud during the SEA Games, but they also made sure they will pleasantly surprise us,” Cayetano said during his sponsorship speech.

He described sports as a “God-given activity” that promotes health and well-being, fosters unity even in the midst of political divides, and elevates the Philippines’ global image through international success.

The Senate resolution said the achievement was made even more significant by the Philippines’ role as the tournament’s sole host.

All 24 senators supported and adopted the resolution, with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo making their manifestations congratulating the national team.

Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, and members of Alas Pilipinas led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni, deputy coach Ogie Mamon and team captain Bryan Bagunas.

The resolution cited standouts led by captain Bryan Bagunas, who was third among the tournament’s top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who finished fourth among receivers.

Cayetano credited the coaching staff led by Frigoni and the reforms implemented by the PNVF under Suzara, which he said opened doors to overseas tournaments and strengthened training programs for national players.

Cayetano, co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee and Chairman Emeritus of the PNVF, said honoring Alas Pilipinas is also about sustaining momentum for long-term sports development.

“Honoring Filipino athletes serves a public purpose because their achievements inspire national pride, set standards for sports programs, and justify sustained investment in facilities, training, and athlete support nationwide,” he said.

Cayetano said the success gave the Philippines more confidence to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2029.

“Because of their performance and because of the successful hosting, two years from now, iyon namang Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in the Philippines and this time around we have much more time to prepare,” he said. (PNA)