The Alas Pilipinas Women’s National Volleyball Team highlighted the overwhelming Filipinos’ support on the historic run they made in the AVC Women’s Challenger Cup as they received additional incentives from the government, Wednesday, June 26.

“Hindi po namin mararating ‘yung na-achieve namin last AVC kun’di po sa suporta ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya tuloy-tuloy po kaming magtatrabaho para sa karangalan ng bayan,” said Alas Pilipinas’ hitter Eya Laure.

Filipinos pack the Rizal Memorial Coliseum everytime the Alas Pilipinas plays which eventually resulted in the first-ever podium finish of the country in the tourney with a bronze medal and individual awards courtesy of Jia De Guzman as tournament’s best setter and Angel Canino as the best opposite spiker.

Senate Committee on Sports Chairperson Sen. Bong Go lauded the outstanding performance of the team and provided the additional incentives in a ceremony that happened in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The Senator reiterated the government’s moral support that is vital for the continuous success being experienced not just by volleyball but all sports in general. PSC Comm. Olivia ‘Bong’ Coo and Executive Director Paulo Francisco Tatad echoed his statements.

“Andito lang po kami laging sumusuporta sa pangangailangan nila to motivate them. Ang importante dito ay yung moral support to give their best para sa bayan,” Sen. Go said.

The volleybelles swept the preliminary rounds against Australia, India, Iran, and Chinese Taipei. The team eventually bowed down from the hands of Kazakhstan on final four but were able to rise up and clinch the bronze by defeating Australia on the second time in the battle for third place.

“The PSC is eager to see more victories in the future, we believe in your commitment to raise the bar higher and we are always behind your back to prove that we are a volleyball powerhouse and a go-to sports hub because of the growing love of all the Filipinos toward the sport,” Comm. Coo stated.

Alas Pilipinas will battle the AVC Challenge Cup champ Vietnam on July 5 at the FIVB Women’s Challenger Cup to take place at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.