Angel Canino called for unity and support after the Philippine Olympic Committee released the national team pools for the men’s and women’s volleyball competitions in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.
The POC is currently overseeing the Philippines’ volleyball program after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) remained suspended by the FIVB due to governance issues.
Canino was named to the 22-player women’s pool, which is bannered by Jia de Guzman, Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, and Dawn Catindig.
Also included in the pool are Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Niña Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Gel Cayuna, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Shaina Nitura.
“Of course, I’m very grateful. And sobrang blessed ako na paglabas ng lineup, I was part of it,” said Canino on Monday during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night at Discovery Suites Manila.
“But of course, we’re still in the process of it. So, hopefully, lahat ng mga mangyari when it comes to the Asian Games, hopefully, mag-inline bawat isa. And hopefully, mas maging supportive tayo sa bawat isa,” she added.
The quadrennial continental sporting event takes place in September in Japan.
Canino and Provido — who both opted to use their final year of eligibility with De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 — are no strangers to national team duty after representing Alas Pilipinas in previous international competitions.
The UAAP Season 85 Rookie-MVP earned Best Opposite Spiker honors in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup before winning Best Outside Spiker awards in both the 2025 AVC Nations Cup and the 2025 SEA V.League.
For Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus, the inclusion of Canino and Provido in the national pool will play a key role in their continued development as they prepare to defend La Salle’s UAAP title following its Season 88 championship sweep.
“Para sa akin, yung Asian Games, malaking bagay yun. Once every four years lang yun. So sabi ko sa kanila, gusto ko yun para sa inyo para mas ma-build yung confidence niyo,” said De Jesus.
