The Philippine National Volleyball Federation announces its 2026 calendar of events during a press conference at the PNVF office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Tuesday (Feb. 24, 2026). From left are board member Fr. Victor Calo, vice president Yul Benosa, president Anthony Liao, secretary general Otie Camangian, board member Sherwin Maganda and executive director Ireneo Bautista. (PNA photo by Jean Malanum)
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has laid out an ambitious 2026 calendar that positions the Philippines at the heart of Asian and global volleyball, with four major international tournaments set to be staged on home soil.
Bannering the slate is the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, which will light up Nuvali from May 20 to 24, bringing elite beach volleyball action back to the country. The momentum continues with the 2nd AVC Women’s Cup (June 6 to 14) and the highly anticipated Volleyball Nations League Women’s Week 2 (June 17 to 21). Capping off the hosting duties is the 6th SEA V-League Men’s Week 1 (July 10 to 12).
Of the four prestigious events, the Philippines will field teams in two: the 2nd AVC Women’s Cup and the 6th SEA V-League Men’s Week 1. Both competitions will be staged in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, signaling the continued rise of provincial venues as key players in the country’s sports tourism push.
National team reset under Tai Bundit
During a press conference at the PNVF office, president Anthony Liao unveiled a bold structural proposal aimed at strengthening the national program. Central to this plan is giving Tai Bundit, head coach of Alas Pilipinas, priority access to players before club teams make their selections in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft.
Under the proposal, players handpicked by Bundit for the national training pool will receive monthly allowances and will be required to commit to the national team program for two years.
Liao emphasized that the move is designed to resolve the long-standing scheduling conflicts that have challenged national team standouts, who often juggle club commitments with international duties. By formalizing a dedicated pool, the federation aims to ensure continuity in training, system familiarity, and long-term program stability.
PNVF vice president Yul Benosa, secretary general Otie Camangian, board members Fr. Victor Calo and Sherwin Maganda, and executive director Ireneo Bautista were also present during the announcement, underscoring the federation’s unified front behind the initiative.
Full international campaign
Beyond its hosting responsibilities, the Philippines is also preparing for a packed overseas campaign. The national squads are set to compete in the 6th Asian Beach Games, the Asian Women’s U18 Championship, the Asian Men’s U18 Championship (July 12 to 18), the 6th SEA V-League Men’s Week 2, the 6th SEA V-League Women’s Weeks 1 and 2, the FIVB U17 Girls’ World Championship, and the 19th Asian Games.
Taken together, the 2026 roadmap signals more than just a busy calendar. It reflects a recalibrated strategy—one that blends hosting prestige, grassroots development, youth exposure, and structural reform. For Philippine volleyball, the coming year is not simply about participation. It is about building a system capable of competing—and winning—on the regional and world stage.