Amman: The Alas Pilipinas Girls’ under-16 volleyball team has achieved a significant milestone by climbing 17 places to secure the No. 25 position in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings. This leap in ranking comes after their qualification for the upcoming world championship scheduled to be held in Santiago, Chile, next year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the team’s remarkable ascent from their previous rank of No. 42 was fueled by their fifth-place finish at the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan, last week. The program initially started at No. 57, and the team’s progress has been noted as an indication of the improving level of play in the Philippines.

Alas U16 coach Edwin Leyva expressed his surprise and satisfaction at the team’s achievement, noting the importance of their small victories in the Asian Qualifying rounds. Leyva emphasized the improvement in the level of play in the Philippines and its gradual alignment with top Asian counterparts.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara highlighted the significance of the under-16 team’s achievement, attributing it to the federation’s grassroots program, which has seen development over the last four years. Suzara pointed out that the PNVF’s initiatives, established in 2021, have contributed to the growth of volleyball in the country, with impacts being felt at both the world and Asian levels.

The youngest national team now holds the highest rank among Philippine volleyball squads, surpassing the Alas Women at 46th and Alas Men at 80th. Despite this achievement, Coach Leyva reiterated the importance of continued effort and dedication, encouraging the team to keep striving for excellence.

The Philippine U16 team’s qualification for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship was secured with a 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand, earning them 14 ranking points. The other Asian representatives for the world championship include defending world champion China, newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, runner-up Chinese Taipei, and fourth placer Japan. The tournament in Santiago is set to take place from August 5 to 16.