By: Ohmer Bautista
The preparation of the Philippine Women’s National Volleyball Team for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games will not head into full throttle.
This comes at the wake of the Philippine Sports Commission approving the list of the national team pool that the Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. submitted earlier this year.
But to formalize the recognition ever further, the team has to finish their medical exams and other requirements first.
“Ang ginagawa namin ngayon, unahin lang naming lahat ‘yung medical, pero ina-approve naman lahat ng nasa lineup kaya nagpapa-medical silang lahat,” Delos Santos said.
“I think kapag na-okay ‘yung medical, mayroon na atang allowance.”
Included in the pool for the women’s team are Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, Jia Morado, Dawn Macandili, Majoy Baron, Denden Lazaro, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, Mylene Paat, Jema Galanza, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Ces Molina, Tots Carlos, Kath Arado, Celine Domingo, Gel Cayuna, Jerili Malabanan, Kalei Mau, Alohi Robins-Hardy, and MJ Phillips.
Although the team has yet to plunge into training, Delos Santos is grateful for the boost that PSC will be able to provide for the country’s volleyball programs.
“Siyempre happy kami kasi recognized na kami ng PSC. Siyempre mas magiging smooth na rin ang takbo ng team, then ‘yung relationship sa PSC and then ‘yung national team ng volleyball,” he continued, citing that the aid is not just for the distaff side to enjoy, but for their male counterparts as well.
Delos Santos also assured that once they have completed the requirements, they will immediately turn their focus on training.
“Sa ngayon kasi kailangan muna naming matapos ang mga requirements ng PSC so para at least kapag natapos namin ‘yun pwedeng tuloy-tuloy na ang training,” he stated.
As part of their preparations, the team will participate in the Philippine Super Liga Invitational Cup on October, as Delos Santos noted that the members of the pool are required to commit to the National team.
As the Petron mentor explained, “Ang mangyayari doon [PSL], kunwari player ka ng F2, hindi ka na maglalaro doon, ang focus mo nalang, National team.”
As the regional meet, which the Philippines will host from November 30 to December 10, fast approaches, Delos Santos and his coaching staff are also weighing in on training overseas.
“Tinitignan pa namin ‘yung lugar na pupuntahan namin kasi ngayon, pino-process pa namin siya so wala pa ‘yung exact date ng camp.”
