The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has begun a major organizational overhaul, reshuffling the Alas Pilipinas indoor coaching staff, appointing new team managers, and tightening financial and administrative operations as it prepares for upcoming international competitions.
PNVF executive director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico Suarez announced the changes on Thursday, with Dante Alinsunurin returning as head coach of the Alas Pilipinas men’s team and Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni taking over the women’s squad on an interim basis.
The federation will retain its beach volleyball lineup following its successful campaign at the recent 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, where Khy Progella and Sofiah Pagara secured bronze in the women’s competition.
Alinsunurin returns to the men’s coaching post seven years after guiding the Philippines to a historic silver medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. He currently handles National University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and Choco Mucho in the Premier Volleyball League.
He replaces Frigoni, who will now oversee the women’s indoor team as the Philippines begins preparations for the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup, which the country is set to host.
Beyond the coaching changes, the PNVF is moving to strengthen its leadership structure and improve the delivery of support to national team athletes.
PNVF president Frank Lao, who assumed the post last August, will channel his resources toward the men’s national team through Strong Group Athletics, the organization behind PVL clubs Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee. The arrangement is intended to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Lao has pledged to direct financial assistance to national team players, eliminate delays in allowance payments, and streamline federation operations. He has also personally settled financial liabilities and other obligations inherited from previous administrations.
“Our president, Mr. Frank Lao, is delivering on his commitment to drive reforms within the federation,” Suarez said.
“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.”
Lao will also head the national team commission, which includes UAAP representative Bo Perasol, NCAA representative Victor Calvo, PVL representative Sherwin Malonzo, and Shakey’s Super League representative Dr. Ian Laurel.
The PNVF has likewise made changes to its team management. Creamline team coordinator Ma. Carlota Celda will replace Ronwald Kris Dimaculangan as manager of Alas Pilipinas Men, while Jaime Ascalon will succeed Hollie Reyes in the women’s team.
Juanito Gregorio has been appointed deputy executive director, where he will assist Suarez with the federation’s administrative responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the PNVF is considering several former and current national team players for its Athletes Commission, including Alyssa Valdez, Dawn Catindig, Ysay Marasigan, Ran Abdilla, Julia Coronel, Rex Intal, Majoy Baron, Jia de Guzman, Jessie Lopez, and Len Escollante, a member of the Philippine squad that won gold at the 1993 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.
On the beach volleyball side, Rebisco will serve as the national teams’ chief sponsor, supporting the program following the women’s pair’s podium finish in Nagoya.
Suarez said the appointments and structural changes are intended to establish a more accountable and efficient federation while improving the national teams’ competitiveness on the international stage.
“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.”
