The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has officially begun its oversight of the country’s national volleyball program, unveiling a new coaching setup and the preliminary player pools that will carry the Philippines into the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
In its first major volleyball decision following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the POC appointed Japanese coach Takayuki “Taka” Minowa to lead the Alas Pilipinas women’s team while retaining Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni at the helm of the men’s squad.
The appointments, announced alongside the national team pools on Sunday, June 28, set the stage for the country’s Asian Games campaign scheduled from September 19 to October 4.
The former head coach of Akari, Minowa inherits a program that has steadily regained its footing over the past two years, and the POC has opted for continuity by bringing back many of the players who fueled that resurgence.
Leading the 22-player women’s pool is team captain Jia De Guzman, who returns after missing the recent AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City.
Also rejoining the national team are Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Priovido, Arah Panique, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, Mars Alba, and Shaina Nitura.
Only Thea Gagate, Alyssa Solomon, and Nina Ytang remain from the hastily assembled Alas Pilipinas squad that represented the country in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup just weeks ago.
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Completing the women’s pool are Jeanette Panaga, Shaira Jardio, Gel Cayuna, and Erika Santos, giving Minowa a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as preparations begin.
On the men’s side, stability remains the priority.
Frigoni will continue to call the shots after guiding the Philippines through last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship, with much of that core expected to stay intact for the Asian Games.
The men’s pool is once again bannered by veteran stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, while five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia earns an opportunity to make his debut with the indoor national team.
Also included in the men’s lineup are Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Alejos, and Trevor Valera.
According to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton has already informed both Minowa and Frigoni of their appointments, which will officially run from July 1 until October 15.
The simultaneous announcement reflects the POC’s approach as it takes over the national volleyball program—maintaining continuity where it matters while introducing new leadership on the women’s side.
With the Asian Games less than three months away, the focus now shifts from assembling the roster to building chemistry, as both Alas Pilipinas teams prepare to test themselves against Asia’s best under the POC’s new direction.
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