PNVF rolls out major organizational reform
MANILA, Philippines — The promised reform is now being delivered as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) overhauled its organization with some key appointments that aim to boost the national teams in future international events.
PNVF Executive Director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico F. Suarez announced the major changes in the Alas Pilipinas Men's and Women's indoor volleyball teams, while the beach volleyball squads will remain intact following their successful campaign in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya recently.
Leading the list of appointments will be the return of Dante Alinsunurin as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas Men squad.
Alinsunurin, the head coach of the National University Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), will regain the role he had seven years after steering the Alas Pilipinas Men squad to a historic silver medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.
He will take over from Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni, who has been tasked to handle the Alas Pilipinas Women squad in an interim capacity as the federation begins its long-term development for the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup that the country will host in 2029.
Suarez added that to avoid conflict, PNVF president Frank Lao will focus his resources on the Alas Pilipinas Men squad through his Strong Group Athletics (SGA) – the organization behind the PVL franchises Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee.
A distinguished business leader and avid sportsman who was elected as PNVF president just last August, Lao vows to direct all the financial resources to the national athletes to streamline the administrative process and eliminate the delay in the disbursement of allowances. So far, Lao has used his personal funds to cover the financial liabilities and other obligations that he inherited from the previous PNVF administrations.
Lao will also chair the national team commission together with Bo Perasol of the UAAP, Victor Calvo of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Sherwin Malonzo of the PVL, and Dr. Ian Laurel of the Shakey’s Super League.
“Our president, Mr. Frank Lao, is delivering on his commitment to drive reforms within the federation,” Suarez said in an official statement on Thursday.
“He wants to eliminate delays in the issuance of allowances, which is why he is disbursing his financial support directly to our national athletes. By doing so, he is setting a clear precedent for other potential sponsors to follow. Through these steps, we are laying a strong foundation of integrity, credibility, and good governance — values that will anchor our organization moving forward.” Rebisco, on the other hand, will serve as chief sponsor of the beach volleyball teams, bannered by Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara who won the bronze medal in the women’s event of the 20th Asian Games.
The PNVF also gave bigger roles to Creamline Cool Smashers team coordinator Ma. Carlota Celda and volleyball commentator Jaime Ascalon.
Celda will replace Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan as team manager of the Alas Pilipinas Men while Ascalon will be stepping in for Hollie Reyes as team manager of Alas Pilipinas Women.
Furthermore, former Cignal Super Spiker team manager Juanito Gregorio will serve as Deputy Executive Director to assist Suarez with administrative duties, while being considered for the Athletes Commission are Alyssa Valdez, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Ysay Marasigan, Ran Abdilla, Julia Coronel, Rex Intal, Majoy Baron, Jia Morado-de Guzman, Jessie Lopez, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Bernadeth Pons, Alyssa Solomon, and Len Escollante, who was part of the national squad that won a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore in 1993.
“These executives bring not only high-level capability, work ethic, and wisdom, but also an unwavering commitment to driving Philippine volleyball to greater heights,” Suarez said.
“We are confident that we have the right people, the right vision, and the right strategy to build a national sports federation fully capable of bringing glory to the country on the international stage.” TMT
