Manila: The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution filed by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano congratulating Alas Pilipinas for its historic 19th-place finish at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship. Cayetano, who sponsored Proposed Senate Resolution No. 143, said the team’s breakthrough run ‘brought immense pride and honor’ to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cayetano praised the team’s ability to unite the nation through sports, emphasizing its role in fostering health, well-being, and unity amid political divides. He highlighted the achievement’s significance, noting that the Philippines was the tournament’s sole host. All 24 senators supported the resolution, with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri and Senators Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva, and Erwin Tulfo expressing their congratulations to the national team.
Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, and members of Alas Pilipinas, led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni, deputy coach Ogie Mamon, and team captain Bryan Bagunas. The resolution recognized the standout performances of captain Bryan Bagunas, who ranked third among the tournament’s top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who placed fourth among receivers.
Cayetano attributed the team’s success to the coaching staff led by Frigoni and the PNVF’s reforms under Suzara, which facilitated participation in overseas tournaments and enhanced training programs for national players. As co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee and Chairman Emeritus of the PNVF, Cayetano emphasized the importance of honoring Alas Pilipinas to sustain momentum for long-term sports development.
He stated that recognizing Filipino athletes’ achievements serves a public purpose by inspiring national pride, setting standards for sports programs, and justifying investment in sports facilities, training, and athlete support nationwide. Cayetano expressed confidence in the Philippines’ ability to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2029, attributing this readiness to the men’s team’s performance and successful hosting of the current event.
