Alas Pilipinas Women have received the green light to compete in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, which begins Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
Anchored by Alyssa Valdez, Thea Gagate, Trisha Tubu, and recent addition Alyssa Solomon, the pool blends veteran leadership with rising talent under interim head coach Shaq delos Santos.
The final roster will be finalized this Friday during the preliminary inquiry.
“Life goes on in volleyball, and we’re here to help make sure the athletes and the programs are brought back to intense levels,” Bambol Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio welcomed the development as the volleyball community braces for another chapter in its seesawing history — proof of the sport’s deep hold on Filipino fans. He also reaffirmed the PSC’s continued support for the national team.
“Sports must never sleep; there mustn’t be lulls. Volleyball is coming of age, that really comes with challenges. But this is the most important time to support our national athletes,” Gregorio said.
“No distractions. Play for the country with your hearts, Alas — PSC will always back you up.”
The developments come as the Philippine Olympic Committee signaled it will abide by the FIVB’s decision, further deepening the situation surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, which has been suspended by the global body. The PSC has likewise moved to freeze its funding.
As a result, the FIVB has formed an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee volleyball matters in the country, with the POC, in coordination with the PSC, expected to later take on another caretaker role in the national federation’s domestic affairs.
“I welcome the 12 teams for the AVC Women’s Cup, it’s another renaissance moving forward for Philippine volleyball,” AVC president Tats Suzara said.
The final composition of the Alas Pilipinas Women coached by Shaq de los Santos will be known during the preliminary inquiry this Friday.
After Candon City, elite volleyball action shifts to the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City from June 17 to 21 for Week 2 of the Women’s Volleyball Nations League featuring Japan, Italy, United States, Serbia, Dominican Republic and Czechia
