Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Tats Suzara reaffirmed his support for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Monday, underscoring his commitment to its growth.
Speaking at the league’s press conference for the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference held at Novotel Manila, Suzara outlined the PNVF’s plans to back the PVL, recognizing it as the “Philippines’ number one and only professional volleyball league.”
“The last announcement [is] that I will recognize, after many years of existence, finally I would like to recognize and certify the Premier Volleyball League as the Philippines’ number one and only professional volleyball league in the [country],” Suzara declared.
Originally launched as the Shakey’s V-League in 2004 as an intercollegiate competition, the league was rebranded as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) in 2017.
It became a professional league in 2021, even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’d like to congratulate the PVL and I’d like to give this certificate of recognition to the PVL, to Ricky Palou, as the Philippines’ number one and only professional volleyball league in the Philippines,” he added.
The league is preparing for its longest tournament to date, with the upcoming All-Filipino Conference expected to run for nearly six months to align with the FIVB calendar.
This extended schedule will provide teams with ample preparation time for future international tournaments, including the 2024 AVC Champions League in Seoul, South Korea, in May.
The champion of the All-Filipino Conference will represent the Philippines and the PVL in the revived international competition, competing against Asia’s top club teams.
To ease the financial burden, the league will cover all expenses for the local representative.
“As agreed with Ricky Palou, whoever becomes the champion of the All-Filipino will represent the Philippines and the PVL to the AVC Champions League in May next year in Korea. The club owners, ‘wag na mag-isip ng gastos, dahil PVL na ang gagastos sa funding,” Suzara said.
“They will now have a budget to shoulder the expenses, whoever wins the championship. They are allowed to bring two foreign players. So sa inyo na ‘yan, whoever wins, you have to get two foreign players. But all expenses traveling to Seoul for the AVC Champions League will be funded by the PVL, so thank you PVL,” he continued.
In support of officiating improvements, the PVL, backed by the PNVF, has brought in international referee Yul Benosa, chairman of the PNVF Referees Commission, to oversee the league’s officiating.
“As [part] of the stronger partnership with the PNVF, and our meeting with Sherwin [Malonzo], the commissioner, we are now appointing Yul Benosa, our chairman of the referees commission of the PNVF, to directly delegate for the PVL,” announced Suzara.
To further enhance officiating standards, the PVL and PNVF will engage neutral referees from neighboring countries to officiate during the semifinals and finals.
Additionally, international referees will be mandatory for all matches in the conference.
The PVL will also conduct a technical workshop for referees, coaches, and players on Tuesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
“We’ve invited the coaches and captain balls of all the teams, and the managers that want to attend, they’re welcome to attend. Here, all the rules and regulations of the game will be better explained to everybody,” said PVL President Ricky Palou.
