PNVF calls for ‘continued dialogue and collaboration' as Alas Pilipinas issues surface

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) called for “continued dialogue and collaboration” following concerns raised in recent days involving the Alas Pilipinas national team.

In a statement released Tuesday, the national governing body said it “acknowledges the sentiments and concerns shared by our volleyball community, including those surrounding the Alas Draft and athlete welfare.”

“As the sport’s governing body, we remain committed to building a sustainable, inclusive, and athlete-centered path forward. We value the voices of our players, stakeholders, and fans, and assure that we are listening,” it added.

The federation also emphasized its goal of ensuring that athletes are not only competitive, but also “supported, heard, and valued every step of the way.”

An Alas Pilipinas stakeholder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recently reached out to members of the media to raise concerns regarding the proposed Alas Pilipinas draft, as well as broader issues involving scheduling and athlete welfare.

What were the issues raised?

Alas Pilipinas Draft

Back in February, PNVF President Tony Boy Liao announced the proposal of an Alas Pilipinas draft during the PVL Draft, which would place certain players exclusively under the national team for two years.

"I think with this solution, we won’t have any problem anymore in the future na manghihiram tayo ng players from the clubs," Liao said in a previous press conference.

(I think with the solution, we won't have any problem anymore in the future about borrowing players from the clubs.)

For the anonymous stakeholder, however, the move to lock in players could limit development due to reduced playing time and also could provide fewer earning opportunities.

The said proposal, according to the stakeholder, may also disrupt the continuity of the current national team program.

“We believe that we started something good the past two years. After the SEA Games loss, gusto talaga namin to keep fighting, to continue what we have, especially for the girls who want to come into the Alas national team. We want them to experience what we experienced the past two years. Kaso with what's happening, medyo backwards movement lahat,” the stakeholder said.

(We believe that we started something good the past two years. After the SEA Games loss, we wanted to keep fighting, to continue what we have, especially for the girls who want to come into the Alas national team. We want them to experience what we experienced the past two years. But with what's happening, everything feels kind of like backwards movement.)

Calendar alignment

The stakeholder also pointed out that the potential drawbacks of the proposed draft could be mitigated if the PNVF instead aligns its calendar with that of the FIVB.

"It's been a problem ever since which is very strange kasi the FIVB, they release the schedule of the tournaments, the national team tournaments, every Olympic cycle, so that's four years of knowing when the tournaments will happen... They're supposed to be planning around that and actually finding ways how to better prepare their national team athletes and at the same time, maximize 'yung club and university potentials," the stakeholder said.

(It's been a problem ever since which is very strange because the FIVB, they release the schedule of the tournaments, the national team tournaments, every Olympic cycle, so that's four years of knowing when the tournaments will happen... They're supposed to be planning around that and actually finding ways how to better prepare their national team athletes and at the same time, maximize the club and university potentials.)

The said stakeholder also cited the physical demands on players balancing club and national team duties.

"If you are a PVL player, you will be playing the whole year, basically,” she said.

“There is no time for a proper off-season, proper preparation for a tournament, there is no recovery. We are just expected to play the whole year kasi they feel that that's where the money is,” she said.

However, the stakeholder said injuries and fatigue are a factor for the players.

Athlete welfare

Beyond the draft and scheduling, the stakeholder also raised concerns about athlete representation in decision-making, delayed allowances, and logistical challenges experienced during the last Southeast Asian Games, including additional out-of-pocket expenses for basic needs.

Ultimately, however, the stakeholder said the concerns stem from a desire to push athlete welfare and protect the future of the national team.

“Being an athlete is not an 8-to-5 job. It's not a corporate job na clock in, clock out lang kami. It's a 24/7 thing. Ang dami nang nararanasan as atleta na hindi nila naiintindihan. We're not saying that we fully understand their side as businessmen and as leadership, pero huwag naman nila kami kalimutan,” the stakeholder said.

(Being an athlete is not an 8-to-5 job. It's not a corporate job where we just clock in, clock out. It's a 24/7 thing. As athletes, we go through so much that they don't understand. We're not saying that we fully understand their side as businessmen and as leadership, but they shouldn't forget about us.)

Players have been speaking on their social media accounts about issues regarding the national team as well.

“I hope we continue to spread awareness on everything that’s been happening surrounding the national team… this is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having a core and it’s sad to see it fall into the wrong hands,” said Fifi Sharma on her Instagram broadcast channel.

“It’s difficult to keep giving your all and fighting for something that consistently fails to take care of you. Passion can carry you far but it shouldn’t be used to justify neglect.”

“Representing the country has always meant a lot to me, and I know that same pride is shared by so many athletes—but more than that, it’s something we have a responsibility to protect and build for the generations that come after us,” Jia De Guzman said on Instagram.

“Many countries have found ways to make this work—allowing athletes to develop in both environments—and have seen the positive results and growth it brings to the sport over time. I believe that is something we can achieve as well.”

“I strongly believe that we can build a system where both the national team and our local leagues can grow together, while allowing athletes to continue competing and developing in both environments.”

“As these conversations continue, it’s important that we stay grounded in what truly matters—our athletes and the future we are building for them.”

GMA News Online has also reached out to the Premier Volleyball League for their side, but the league has yet to respond.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News