Senator Alan Peter Cayetano lauded the Philippine men’s volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, for climbing to 19th place in the ongoing FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, calling it a historic breakthrough for the country.

From 88th, the Philippines jumped to 77th in the world rankings after a gritty run that included its first-ever World Championship win over Egypt and a close five-set battle with Asian powerhouse Iran.

Alas Pilipinas now ranks just behind France (18th) and ahead of Cuba (20th) and Germany (21st).

Cayetano, who co-chairs the tournament’s Local Organizing Committee, praised the team for earning global respect, highlighting standout performances: 

  • Bryan Bagunas (#3 in Scoring and Attacking)
  • Joshua Retamar (#4 in Setting)
  • Steven Ybanez (#7 in Digging, #5 in Receiving), and 
  • Marck Espejo (#4 in Receiving, #7 in Blocking).

He said the milestone reflects years of sacrifice by the athletes and urged Filipinos to keep supporting volleyball.

“Proud na proud tayo, pero sana hindi lang kapag may panalo. Ang tagumpay nila ay bunga ng mahabang taon ng sakripisyo.”IMT