The Philippines women`s national volleyball team achieved a historic silver medal finish at the inaugural AVC Women’s Nations Cup. This landmark result marks a significant milestone for the national team, following support received through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme.
Known domestically as Alas Pilipinas, the team`s path to the final included group stage victories over Mongolia and Indonesia. They faced a five-set loss to Iran but bounced back to defeat New Zealand in the quarterfinals and edged out Chinese Taipei in another thrilling five-set semifinal. Their impressive run concluded with a second-place finish after falling to hosts Vietnam in the gold medal match.
This silver medal adds to the country`s recent success, building on the bronze medal earned at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup just a year prior. It underscores the progress achieved since the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) launched its National Team roadmap in 2023, reaching the podium within three years.
The outcome also highlights the broader influence of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative, which supports the development of both volleyball and beach volleyball programs for men`s and women`s teams in the Philippines. Since 2020, the nation has received over $788,000 in aid across eight approved projects.
For volleyball specifically, this support has included numerous coaching projects, provision of Gerflor flooring, and ongoing technical assistance, such as continuous coaching support in 2023 and 2024. These investments have laid the groundwork for enhanced team development, consistent training, and improved performance on the international stage.
Head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito commented on the impact, stating, “The support from Empowerment has been crucial for our preparation, offering athletes and coaches resources for training, participation in high-level international competitions, and training camps abroad.”
He added, “These elements significantly contributed to our final result. The sustained nature of FIVB Empowerment allows us to plan for and pursue even greater achievements for Philippine volleyball. This new era would not have been feasible without the backing of our federation, the PNVF, led by President Ramon Suzara and his staff.”
The positive impact was also evident to team captain and setter Jia De Guzman. De Guzman, who was recognized as the tournament`s Best Setter, was named to the Dream Team alongside teammates Angel Canino and Dell Palomata.
De Guzman explained that the Empowerment program provided the team with access to expertise and coaching that they had previously lacked, offering a clear path for improvement.
“I’ve always believed in the potential of the Philippines to elevate its standing in volleyball,” said De Guzman. “We`ve always had the talent, but as a sport that constantly evolves, access to knowledge and expert coaching is crucial for realizing that potential. The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative has equipped us with the necessary resources and opportunities to guide our national teams towards a brighter future. It has instilled hope that we can develop as a volleyball nation and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood