Reporting note: this article draws on philstar.com; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
PNVF Team Selection Overhaul Brings Direct Stakeholder Voice
Philippine volleyball is finally addressing its most persistent roster headaches! The Philippine National Volleyball Federation announced the creation of a dedicated National Team Commission to reshape the PNVF team selection process. Federation Executive Director Atty. Miguel Carlos Pacifico Suarez confirmed that the new five-man panel will give local stakeholders direct input before rosters are locked in for international duty.
For years, unilateral roster decisions created friction between club competitions, collegiate calendars, and national squads. By formally introducing this commission, federation officials intend to align tournament schedules and ensure player availability well in advance for Alas Pilipinas Men and Alas Pilipinas Women.
Five-Man Commission Unites PVL, SSL, NCAA, and UAAP
The newly formed panel brings together top decision-makers from every major volleyball tier in the country. Federation President Frank Lao will chair the body alongside Premier Volleyball League official Sherwin Malonzo and Shakey’s Super League head Dr. Ian Laurel. Both Malonzo and Laurel carry significant administrative experience from prior federation setups, offering valuable operational continuity.
Collegiate leaders round out the group with Fr. Victor Calvo representing the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Bo Perasol representing the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. Their inclusion ensures that university programs and academic obligations are respected when assembling squads, bridging an essential gap between school commitments and flag duties.
Lao Targets Transparency Alongside Elite Coaching Appointments
Since stepping into the presidency in August, Lao has moved aggressively to overhaul operations and ensure organizational stability. The businessman-sportsman used his personal funds to settle outstanding financial liabilities inherited from previous leadership, prioritizing accountability and financial balance across all programs.
Technical leadership has also seen major upgrades, highlighted by the return of Dante Alinsunurin to Alas Pilipinas Men and the appointment of Italian tactician Angiolino Frigoni for Alas Pilipinas Women. Alinsunurin memorably steered the men to a historic silver finish at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, while Frigoni previously directed the Italian women at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and coached the Dutch women's squad.
Suarez emphasized that the commission will eliminate top-down mandates, creating a sustainable environment where leagues and selectors work in unison rather than in conflict. This development was originally reported by philstar.com.
