TO allow it to operate as organized as possible, newly formed Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. (PNVFI) formed committees to handle its various affairs.
In the induction of its officers and first board meeting on Wednesday, the PNVFI set into motion its plans for local volleyball, including the appointment of officials tasked to lead the different groups within the organization.
Leading the appointees was veteran volleyball stakeholder Anthony Liao, who was named chairman of the National Team Department of the PNVFI.
Mr. Liao, commissioner of the Premier Volleyball League, will lead the process of forming the national teams, which will compete in international competitions.
He will be the chairman of the group, which has Ormoc City member and mayor as well former national team player Richard Gomez as secretary.
The committee is tasked to handle the national team for events like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and other FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) competitions and provide continuity in the program.
It is geared towards effectively replacing the long practice of having the appointed head coach call for tryouts and name the members of the men’s and women’s volleyball teams.
In appointing Mr. Liao, PNVFI is banking on his extensive experience in Philippine volleyball where he has served in different capacities, including as team manager of the national squad.
“Mr. Liao was a former manager of the national team for many years. He also managed two of the most successful collegiate teams, De La Salle and Ateneo. He has a vast experience in managing teams and players and is highly versed on volleyball rules,” said PNVFI President Ramon Suzara of Mr. Liao, who was manager of the women’s national team that won the gold medal in the 1993 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.
Mr. Liao accepted his appointment and vowed to work with the PNVFI and other members of his committee to succeed in the task given to them.
Also appointed was volleyball star and national team player Alyssa Valdez, who will lead the Athletes’ Commission of the PNVFI.
Joining her as members are fellow players Aby Maraño, Denden Lazaro, and Johnvic De Guzman.
The group is expected to provide the bridge between the players and the local volleyball federation for a more fluid communication for concerns and suggestions.
Others named to lead were Richard Palou (deputy secretary general for international affairs), Roger Banzuela (deputy secretary general for member relations), Carmela Gamboa (events council), Jerry Yee (technical and coaches), Prof. Robert Calo (refereeing and rules), and Karl Geoffrey Chan II (development).
Also appointed were Donald Caringal (marketing), Charo Soriano (beach volleyball), Benson Bocboc (Volleyball Information System), Dr. Jose Raul Canlas (Medical), Rodrigo Roque (finance), and Fr. Victor Calvo (legal and ethics).
The induction of the PNVFI officers was led by Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino at The Vault restaurant at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
The PNVFI officially got recognized by the International Volleyball Federation last weekend. It was formed in elections held on Jan. 25. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo