CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio emphasized that the ongoing issues involving the Philippine National Volleyball Federation are beyond the PSC’s jurisdiction, stressing that the focus should remain on the national team program and athlete development.
Gregorio said matters concerning the PNVF are already in the hands of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the Philippine Olympic Committee. He added that he hopes the situation will be resolved soon so that attention can fully return to the continued growth of Philippine volleyball.
“I don’t want to comment on that because nandoon na po ‘yan sa FIVB and assignment po ‘yan ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Basta sa amin lang po, kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, gusto lang namin na talagang ang focus is on the national team program,” Gregorio told reporters following Alas Pilipinas’ straight-set victory over Kyrgyzstan on Monday.
“So ako naman, naniniwala na ‘yung FIVB, together with the Asian Volleyball Confederation, ay ma-so-solve kaagad ‘yang issue na ‘yan on the (Philippine National Volleyball Federation). Sana sa lalong madaling panahon.”
His remarks came amid the suspension of the PNVF by the FIVB and POC, which led to the creation of an ad hoc committee tasked with overseeing the federation ahead of the country’s hosting of the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup here, where Alas Pilipinas is currently competing.
Gregorio also underscored the importance of maintaining unity and focus during major international sporting events, noting the significant investments being made by the national government, local government units, and private sponsors. Rather than dwelling on internal disputes, he said stakeholders should concentrate on supporting the national team and its athletes.
“Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors. So ayaw namin ng hidwaan, lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad,” Gregorio explained.
The hosting of the continental tournament is part of the Philippines’ broader preparations for the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship. Gregorio stressed that despite recent turmoil within the federation, efforts to develop the sport and support the athletes must continue.
“Ang sa akin po, programa. We are hosting the World Championship in 2029. Before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin ‘yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta,” he said.
“But despite that, nakita niyo naman, nandito pa rin tayo, itinuloy natin ‘to. The show must go on because this is not about the federation. This is about your national team. It’s all about the national athlete. It’s all about the volleyball players. So we are here. Hindi ho kami nawawala ng focus diyan nina Mayor.”
The AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup has so far enjoyed a smooth staging under the leadership of Candon City Mayor Eric Singson. The city has drawn from its experience hosting last year’s SEA V.League, as well as Philippine Basketball Association and Premier Volleyball League regular-season games and All-Star events.
Singson has repeatedly expressed his desire to establish Candon as a premier sports destination and a reliable host of major national and international competitions. He said the city takes pride in earning the trust of sports organizations and governing bodies to stage high-level events.
“Well, very exciting. Of course, exciting. Excited ako pag nananalo ang Philippines, and of course, it’s an honor to host this big event,” said Singson.
The successful hosting of major sporting events has also helped raise Candon’s profile as a sports destination, generating economic activity through tourism, local businesses, accommodations, and other support services.
With this momentum, Singson hopes to attract even more national and international tournaments in the years ahead, further strengthening the city’s position on the Philippine sports map.
“Well, (ang) mga mamamayan dito sa Candon, they are so happy. In actual economic terms, kumikita yung mga tindahan namin and mga hotels, resorts, lahat ng bagay — yung mga kakailanganin ng mga manonood. Kita niyo sa taas, puno ng mga nagtitinda,” he said.
“We are excited to be hosting this kind of event. Salamat kay Chairman (Gregorio) kasi binigyan kami ng pagkakataon. This is not an easy task. I really did a lot of thinking kung paano kasi 12 nations yung nandito, and, you know, we have to think of how to accommodate the players and officials. So, yun lahat,” the sportsman added.
“Well, I think we are doing our best. Sana ay magtuloy-tuloy na successful itong event na ito.”
