President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. graces the opening ceremony of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship on September 12, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday hailed Alas Pilipinas Men after their breakthrough at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
A Filipino volleyball team has finally scored a win in a world championship game—the first in the federation's 64-year history.
World No. 88 Alas Men rose past World No. 21 Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Marcos called Alas' win over the defending African champions as inspiring and historic.
"Isang makasaysayang tagumpay at inspirasyon para sa milyun-milyong Pilipinong nangangarap na makilala sa buong mundo. Isa ito sa marami pang tagumpay na tiyak na darating," the chief executive said in his statement.
READ: Alas Pilipinas Men make history, defeat Egypt for first-ever win in FIVB Worlds
Marcos and the first family graced the opening ceremonies of the FIVB Worlds on September 12. His son, Vinny, is co-chairman of the 32-country tournament's local organizing committee.
Meawnhile, Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon "Tats" Suzara also shared what he told the Nationals after the win.
"'Pag tumatanda na kayo, masasabi niyo sa mga anak at apo niyo na I was part of this men's world championship team," said Suzara. "'Di na mauulit 'yan, once-in-a-lifetime experience iyan."
"Kung ganiyan ang laro natin lagi, I think there would be chances sa SEA Games sa Thailand," he added.
READ: Alas Pilipinas Men soar to No. 77 in world rankings after shock win vs Egypt
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said it was a dream realized right in Philippine soil and it would be a motivation for days to come.
“These men have etched their names in volleyball history and their victory would surely be an inspiration and motivation for the next generation to emulate as role model,” said Tolentino.
“It was a long shot, we never aimed that high for Alas Pilipinas in this world championship, but they overachieved,” he added.
The MWCH win is for Filipinos who supported Alas Men in their quest, said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“This win is for those who believed that we can. It is a gift for those who came, those who cheered from their homes, and those who continue to support our national team and Philippine sports,” said Gregorio.
The PSC is an agency under the Office of the President dealing with sports concerns, the PNVF is the governing body for volleyball in the country, and POC is private, non-governmental organization composed of all National Sports Associations or NSAs.
Alas Pilipinas is vying for a Round of 16 spot as it takes on Iran on Thursday, September 18.
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