THE newly-recognized Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. (PNVF) is geared toward the development and unification of the sport.
This was disclosed by newly-elected PNVF Board Member and Volleyball Association of Negros Island president Carmela Gamboa, adding that it can never be perfect.
"We will never see the change that we hope for in our lifetime. What is important is that we followed the Philippine Olympics Committee's mandate. Before the elections, the stakeholders accepted the terms of reference," she said.
Talking about the grassroots program under the new organization, Gamboa said that she will be pushing for regional clusters to focus on provincial projects. "What's crucial is the return to sports protocols to be adapted per area because as of now, the IATF has yet to allow the complete return of the sport."
Gamboa also shared the message from newly-elected PNVF president Ramon Suzara, who is delighted to be entrusted with the leadership of this new volleyball federation in the Philippines.
"Today we take a moment to recognize the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the POCs support in providing an opportunity for our beloved sport to finally thrive," he said in a statement.
Suzara welcomes all the volleyball stakeholders in joining him and the newly-elected board members of the federation in taking the first big step of changing the landscape of the sport in the country into a vibrant, harmonious, and supportive community.
"I hope that our common love for the sport will provide us with the will to unite and collaborate to finally elevate the status of our national teams on the continental and world stages," he added.
The federation president also described that in the past few years, the country's sport following has grown exponentially, and club volleyball programs have flourished, but development programs have been set aside and given less importance, leaving the majority of stakeholders (especially provincial stakeholders) to run their own programs without support from the national federation.
"We have to find that balance and provide support to all areas of the sport. The balance is not an easy one to achieve, but with everyone's trust and help, we will be able to create sustainable programs. We have a long volleyball legacy and a strong volleyball culture here in the Philippines, and as such, we belong to one very large extended volleyball family," he emphasized.
"I think this is the time to serve the sport. Let's start adopting that mindset that we need to serve the sport. I am glad that we have this opportunity to change our fate in volleyball. Let's not wait for good things to happen, let's chase it together and work to foster a true feeling of family in this sport, With our collective efforts, I believe we can reach greater heights.," he added.
Joining Suzara in the PNVF are Ariel Paredes, chairman; Arnel Hajan, vice-president; Donaldo Caringal, secretary-general; Rodrigo Roque, treasurer; Yul Benosa, auditor; and Board Members - Richard Palou, Anthony Liao, Karl Geoffrey Can, Fr. Victor Calvo, Ma. Rosario Soriano, Gamboa, and lawyer Wharton Chan as POC Legal Counsel.