MANILA -- The Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to the Philippine men's national volleyball team after their campaign in the FIVB Men's World Championship 2025.
Alas Pilipinas marked their debut on the global stage with a 19th place finish, highlighted by an upset of Egypt in the group stage and a classic encounter against Iran.
READ: Alas Pilipinas Men make history, defeat Egypt for first-ever win in FIVB Worlds
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 143, noting that the team's campaign "brought immense pride and honor" to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.
"Sports brings Filipinos together. This team not only made us proud during the SEA Games, but they also made sure they will pleasantly surprise us," he said during his sponsorship speech.
All 24 Senators supported and adopted the resolution with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo making their manifestations congratulating the national team.
Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon "Tats" Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and members of Alas Pilipinas led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni and deputy coach Ogie Mamon and team captain Bryan Bagunas.
The resolution also cited standouts led by captain Bryan Bagunas, who finished third among the tournament's top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who ranked fourth among receivers, with Cayetano saying their feats prove the grit and talent of Filipino athletes on the world stage.
Cayetano expressed his belief that Alas Pilipinas' success in the FIVB Worlds sets the stage for the country's hosting of the FIVB Women's Volleyball Championship in 2029 with greater readiness and confidence.
"Because of their performance and because of the successful hosting, two years from now, iyon namang Women's Volleyball Championship will be held in the Philippines and this time around we have much more time to prepare," he said.