THE PHILIPPINES  takes on Uzbekistan at the start of competitions Saturday of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Cup that Candon City Mayor Eric Singson gleamingly opened on Thursday night and with the FIVB closely monitoring developments after its suspension of the national federation a week ago.

Twelve of the continent’s top women’s teams are seeing action for 10 days at the Candon City Arena with Patrick “Pató” Gregorio–chairman of presentor Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)—stressing that “international events create the greatest impact when brought to communities that embrace the sport.”

“As a developing city, we have prepared the very best that we can offer,” said Singson during the welcome dinner for all delegates at the Hotel Van Gogh on Thursday. “While events of this magnitude are often hosted by major metropolitan centers and capital cities, we embraced this challenge with enthusiasm, determination and a commitment to excellence.”

“Our hope is that this edition of the AVC Women’s Cup will not only be remembered as a successful tournament, but also as an experience that leaves a special place in your hearts, reflecting the warmth, hospitality, and genuine affection for which our City of Love and Care is known,” he added.

The FIVB, meanwhile, tasked the AVC to guarantee the successful staging of the competition by monitoring the Local Organizing Committee led by Singson and the city of Candon after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) was suspended last Friday.

“In view of the upcoming 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City, Philippines (AVC Cup), the Ad Hoc Committee is taking immediate steps to ensure that there are no operational or organizational gaps arising from the PNVF’s suspension and that the event proceeds smoothly for all participating teams, athletes, officials, organisers, and stakeholders,” said Hila Asanuma, the FIVB-appointed Ad Hoc Committee head, in an email to AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara dated June 4.

“The committee’s immediate priorities include supporting the participation of Philippine national teams in upcoming international competitions and ensuring the successful delivery of scheduled international events,” Asanuma added.

Suzara, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to Candon City and Singson for their support of the sport.

“Through the leadership of the PSC and its National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC), the country continues to strengthen sports development and sports tourism by bringing international events closer to local communities,” Suzara said. “AVC shares this same vision of expanding the reach of volleyball across Asia and bringing world-class competition closer to fans everywhere.”

Alyssa Valdez, 32, and Jovelyn Gonzaga, 34, are expected to carry the leadership mantle as the Alas Pilipinas Women take on the Uzbeks in Saturday’s 3 p.m. match.

Vietnam and Lebanon open hostilities at 9 a.m., followed by Kazakhstan against Hong Kong at 12 noon, Iran against Indonesia at 6 p.m. and South Korea against Kyrgyzstan in the night cap at 9 p.m.