By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
For its valiant performance that led to its historic bronze medal feat in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup held late last month, Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team received a cash incentive from Senator Bong Go through the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Acknowledging their bronze medal-finish brought immense joy to the nation, Go personally handed the checks worth P200,000 to each player and coaching staff of the team in a simple ceremony on Wednesday, June 26, inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“We’re very thankful for the incentive after our bronze medal in the AVC, but also for the support, not just for Philippine volleyball, but also for hardworking Filipino athletes with dreams and aspirations the same as ours,” said team captain Jia De Guzman, who spoke on behalf of the squad.
“Maraming salamat po sa patuloy na suporta sa Team Alas. Hindi po namin mararating kung ano yung na-achieve namin kung hindi sa suporta ng bawat Pilipino,” team member Eya Laure added.
Except for Sisi Rondina, all members of the team as well as the coaching staff headed by Jorge De Brito were present.
Go lauded the efforts of the Filipina spikers, who fought in the 10-nation field even without the benefit of an intensive training together.
“Hindi kayo kalakihan kumpara sa ibang mga teams pero ipinakita ninyo ang puso ng atletang Pilipino na palaban,” said Go, who was accompanied by PSC Commissioner Bong Co, PSC Executive Director Francisco Tatad, and film actor Philip Salvador.
Vietnam eventually retained the gold medal with Kazakhstan bagging the silver medal.
The Filipina spikers are currently preparing for the upcoming FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup slated July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where they will go up against tougher opponents composed of Kenya, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, Sweden, Czech Republic and Belgium.
