CITY OF CANDON — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio lauded Alas Pilipinas for a valiant performance so far in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Cup as it continued its push for a deep run in the tournament amid the cloud hovering over the national federation for the sport.

The Philippine team bounced back from a five-set loss to Australia with a quick 25-9, 25-11, 25-17 victory over Kyrgyzstan on Monday at the Candon City Arena.

Gregorio made special mention of the efforts of the people of the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson, noting that the support has been unwavering for the athletes while boosting sports tourism.

“Everybody knows Candon now, when you talk about sports hosting, it’s Candon City, congratulations to the people of Candon,” Gregorio said.

“Sa amin, sa PSC, gusto lang namin na ang talagang focus is on the national team program. Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors, so ayaw namin ng hidwaan, lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad.

“We are hosting the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World championship in 2029, before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta. Ako naman naniniwala, na yung FIVB, together with the Asian Volleyball Confederation ay maso-solve kaagad yang issue on the Philippine federation.”

Alas Pilipinas is seeing action in the 12-nation AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup despite the suspension meted out on the Philippine National Volleyball Federation due to “serious governance concerns” and violations of the FIVB code of ethics. An ad hoc committee has been formed by the FIVB to oversee the affairs of the PNVF and over the weekend, nine board members of the national federation withdrew support for its president Tony Boy Liao.

“Nakita n’yo naman, nandito pa rin tayo, itinuloy natin ito, the show must go on. Because this is not about the federation. This is about your national team.”

Thea Gagate had 11 points on eight attacks, two blocks and an ace, while Jovelyn Gonzaga scored 10 on eight attacks and two blocks as the Philippines improved its record to 2-1 in Pool A. Idle Korea has a 2-0 record, while Chinese Taipei and Australia, both with 1-0 records, were set to face off Monday.

The top two from each pool move on to the semifinals.

With world ranking points on the line in this 12-nation meet, the classification round remains crucial for those missing the round of four of the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Candon City.

Singson said he is very pleased with the tournament’s success so far, noting that not only do the sports fans get to see high-level volleyball action, the local economy also gets a big boost.

“Yung mga mamamayan are so happy, kumikita yung mga tindahan namin. We are excited to have this kind of event, salamat kay chairman at binigyan kami ng pagkakataon. This is not an easy task, I really did a lot of thinking kung paano, 12 nations ‘yung nandito.”

The top two from each pool move on to the semifinals.