The Philippine National Volleyball Federation is taking a more collaborative approach to building its national teams, establishing a new commission that will give key stakeholders a greater say in preparations for major international competitions.
PNVF executive director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico F. Suarez announced Friday the formation of a five-member National Team Commission, which will provide a platform for leagues and collegiate organizations to coordinate schedules, discuss player availability and help shape the Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s squads.
“The establishment of the National Team Commission is a major step in the right direction. By giving stakeholders a direct and stronger voice, we are ensuring a more inclusive, transparent, and collaborative approach to forming and supporting our national team,” Suarez said.
The commission will be chaired by PNVF president Frank Lao, with Premier Volleyball League representative Sherwin Malonzo, Shakey’s Super League chief Dr. Ian Laurel, National Collegiate Athletic Association representative Fr. Victor Calvo and University Athletic Association of the Philippines representative Bo Perasol serving as members.
The panel is expected to strengthen coordination between the federation and the country’s major volleyball leagues and collegiate programs, particularly in managing the competing commitments of players ahead of international tournaments.
Suarez said the initiative would put an end to the previous practice of making key national team decisions without sufficient consultation with stakeholders.
“With this special panel, we are removing the old practice of leadership making unilateral decisions without consulting key stakeholders on player schedules and availability. We are now giving everyone a unified voice to guarantee a far more collaborative and sustainable national team program,” he said.
Since taking over as PNVF president last August, Lao has made transparency, accountability and organizational reform central to his leadership. He also reportedly used personal funds to settle outstanding financial obligations inherited from previous administrations.
The federation has likewise made changes to the coaching staffs of both national squads, bringing back Dante Alinsunurin to lead the Alas Pilipinas men and appointing Italian tactician Angiolino Frigoni to handle the women’s team.
Alinsunurin previously steered the men’s squad to a historic silver-medal finish at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Frigoni, meanwhile, brings considerable international experience, having guided Italy’s women’s team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and coached the Netherlands women’s national squad.
Suarez said the commission reflects Lao’s commitment to implementing meaningful changes within the federation as it works to strengthen the national team program.
“Our president, Mr. Frank Lao, is delivering on his commitment to drive genuine reforms within the federation,” Suarez said.
“Giving the volleyball community a seat at the table is essential because we are expecting more changes to come as we move forward towards rebuilding the federation and leading it to greater heights.”
