The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) partners with PLDT, the Philippines’ leading telecommunications company, to further strengthen its campaign ahead of its future international tournaments, especially with the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam nearing.
The PNVF, led by president Tats Suzara and secretary-general Don Caringal, and PLDT, headed by president and chief executive officer Al Panlilio, have inked a two-year partnership deal Friday, March 18, at the PLDT Ramon Cojuangco Building in Makati City.
Suzara, expressing his gratitude to PLDT, said signing a partnership deal brings a huge boost for the national volleyball team not only in terms of promotion but also in honing the skills of athletes and developing the program prepared by the federation.
The partnership, Suzara said, will also pave the way for the Philippine squad to give more exposure internationally and play as many games as possible -- be it training camps or actual tournaments.
"For me, it's amazing. It's a big boost," said Suzara. "We all need the support from PLDT. It's a bigger part of our national team that they will be supported."
Panlilio, also the president of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, for his part, hopes to bring in his leadership skills this time for the national volleyball team and provide the much-needed assistance from facilities and training camps to funding and promotion, among others.
"It's really, again, helping the federation hopefully elevate its players and help them achieve their goals and aspirations," said Panlilio.
Panlilio stressed that, with the partnership casted, the PNVF might be able to put its name not only in Asia but also globally.
"The likes of some Asian countries like Japan do well. Why can't we? Japanese are not massively taller than we are. China is different or other European countries are different but I think we can compete and it takes a good program to make it happen.
"And with the leadership of Tats, I'm sure he knows what to do to elevate the volleyball for our country," added Panlilio.
Also present in the contract signing were respective men's and women's team captains John Vic De Guzman and Aby Marano, who, at press time, joined F2 Logistics battle Chery Tiggo in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Paco Arena Events & Sports Center in Manila.