New volleyball president wants creation of first-ever pro league

A young executive will try to bring back the glory days of Philippine volleyball. Gener Dungo, a 35-year-old, former deputy secretary general and vice president of the Philippine Volleyball Federation, won the presidency by acclamation. Dungo will succeed Pete Mendoza, who will now serve as the federation’s chairman. The two sports executives were voted as the highest officials of the PVF in the election held at Hotel Indah, YMCA, Manila over the weekend. A total of 25 voters joined the proceedings witnessed by POC auditor Corinna Mojica, with 21 names contesting the 15 board seats. Dungo, a waste management expert, was the only candidate who got a perfect 25 votes. The other elected PVF officials were Karl Chan as VP, Vic Abalos as commissioner, Roger Banzuela as treasurer, Dulce Pante as auditor, Vangie de Jesus as secretary-general, and Ian Laurel as PRO. Nestor Bello, Marvin Trinidad, Yul Benosa, Dax Yambao, Freddie Infante, Gerry Jamili and Boy Cantada will form the board of directors. Dungo later appointed Senators Francis “Kiko" Pangilinan and Pia Cayetano as Honorary Chairman and Chairwoman of the PVF. Upon assuming his new role as head of the volleyball federation, Dungo said he plans to revitalize the country’s volleyball programs by instituting reforms and staging more competitions. A lofty goal of putting up a first-ever professional volleyball league in the country is also among his top priorities. “This new administration will focus on implementing the Volleyball Integrated Management System, which is a combination of management and technical expertise of our officials. I will also create an ad hoc committee to change our constitution and adopt the FIVB management system," said Dungo. Top athletes from the grassroots programs will participate in the youth volleyball tournaments for elementary and high school, while top collegiate players will compete in the ambitious first professional volleyball league. “We need to create stars. We need role models for the sport, athletes our young athletes will look up to and inspire them to keep playing the sport," added Dungo. He plans to tap government officials and private sectors for the much needed support for the creation of the pro volleyball league. Dungo is also looking to reinforce the men’s and women’s volleyball teams for next year’s Southeast Asian Games with Fil-foreign players in the hope of boosting the country’s chances in the biennial meet. - KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV