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POC Takes Charge Of National Volleyball Teams
Photo credit: POC
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has officially assumed supervision and management of the country's national volleyball teams as preparations intensify for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, next year.
The move comes as the POC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipino athletes and ensuring the continued growth of Philippine sports. Under the leadership of POC President Abraham Tolentino and Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan, the committee said it has finalized its master plan for the country's upcoming international volleyball campaigns.
Leading the women's national team pool is reigning collegiate star Bella Belen, who headlines a roster packed with some of the country's top volleyball talents. The POC also announced the reappointment of Japanese coach Takayuki Minowa to steer Alas Pilipinas Women as the team aims for a strong showing in the Asian Games and other international competitions.
On the men's side, Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will once again take the helm of Alas Pilipinas Men after guiding the squad in previous international tournaments. Both coaching appointments will officially take effect on July 1 and remain in place until October 15.
The POC said it is also working closely with the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) to ensure the women's national team receives full logistical and competitive support. The partnership with PVL President Ricky Palou and Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo is expected to help provide the athletes with the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
The committee added that both coaching staffs have been given full authority to select the final 12-player rosters from the national pools, allowing them to build the strongest possible lineups based on performance and team chemistry.
Among those included in the women's training pool are Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, Jia De Guzman, Jennifer Nierva, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen, while the men's pool features Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Josh Ybañez, Michaelo Buddin, Lloyd Josafat, Jude Garcia, Ave Joshua Retamar, and other national standouts.
The announcement comes as Philippine volleyball continues its resurgence on the international stage. In recent years, Alas Pilipinas has posted encouraging performances in regional competitions, including the AVC Challenge Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League, raising hopes that the country can become a stronger contender in Asia.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled for September to October 2026, will bring together thousands of athletes from across the continent, making it one of the biggest sporting events ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle.
In its statement, the POC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national teams as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
"No hurdle will compromise our commitment to flag and country. The mission to elevate Philippine volleyball on the world stage continues."
The committee ended its message by rallying support for the country's athletes, declaring, "Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino. Laban, Pilipinas!"
The move comes as the POC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of Filipino athletes and ensuring the continued growth of Philippine sports. Under the leadership of POC President Abraham Tolentino and Secretary-General Atty. Wharton Chan, the committee said it has finalized its master plan for the country's upcoming international volleyball campaigns.
Leading the women's national team pool is reigning collegiate star Bella Belen, who headlines a roster packed with some of the country's top volleyball talents. The POC also announced the reappointment of Japanese coach Takayuki Minowa to steer Alas Pilipinas Women as the team aims for a strong showing in the Asian Games and other international competitions.
On the men's side, Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will once again take the helm of Alas Pilipinas Men after guiding the squad in previous international tournaments. Both coaching appointments will officially take effect on July 1 and remain in place until October 15.
The POC said it is also working closely with the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) to ensure the women's national team receives full logistical and competitive support. The partnership with PVL President Ricky Palou and Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo is expected to help provide the athletes with the resources needed to compete at the highest level.
The committee added that both coaching staffs have been given full authority to select the final 12-player rosters from the national pools, allowing them to build the strongest possible lineups based on performance and team chemistry.
Among those included in the women's training pool are Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, Jia De Guzman, Jennifer Nierva, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Eya Laure, Vanie Gandler, and Bella Belen, while the men's pool features Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Josh Ybañez, Michaelo Buddin, Lloyd Josafat, Jude Garcia, Ave Joshua Retamar, and other national standouts.
The announcement comes as Philippine volleyball continues its resurgence on the international stage. In recent years, Alas Pilipinas has posted encouraging performances in regional competitions, including the AVC Challenge Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League, raising hopes that the country can become a stronger contender in Asia.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, scheduled for September to October 2026, will bring together thousands of athletes from across the continent, making it one of the biggest sporting events ahead of the 2028 Olympic cycle.
In its statement, the POC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national teams as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
"No hurdle will compromise our commitment to flag and country. The mission to elevate Philippine volleyball on the world stage continues."
The committee ended its message by rallying support for the country's athletes, declaring, "Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino. Laban, Pilipinas!"
Jun 28, 2026
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