THE Philippines received the biggest allocation among Asian teams under the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, securing $333,875 (around P20.9 million) in targeted assistance and another $101,000 (P6.2 million) worth of volleyball equipment support.
The funding was provided to strengthen the women’s national team program as the country prepared for the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup, which the Philippines will host.
The assistance was highlighted during the AVC Women’s Cup held in Candon City, Ilocos Sur last June, where eight of the 12 participating teams had benefited from the Volleyball Empowerment program.
The Philippines received the largest coaching-related allocation among the participating teams, with the project including support for the women’s national team head coach.
The National Federation of the Philippines Ad Hoc Committee also worked with stakeholders to improve the national team’s planning and ensure continuity in its preparations and participation in international competitions.
The Philippines likewise led all AVC Women’s Cup participants in equipment assistance, receiving $101,000. Iran followed with $95,000, while Indonesia received $75,000.
Iran also received $192,000 in coaching support through the appointment of Lee Do Hee as head coach of its women’s national team, along with $95,000 in equipment assistance.
Korea received $178,500 for the appointment of physical trainer Lucas Ferreira Rodrigues, whose project covered both its men’s and women’s national teams. It also received $17,000 in equipment assistance and $6,000 through knowledge-transfer programs.
Australia was granted $168,000 in coaching support for women’s head coach Russel Borgeaud, while Lebanon received $84,000 for head coach Elie El Nar, along with $17,500 in equipment assistance and $12,000 in knowledge-transfer support.
Vietnam received $56,266 in coaching assistance through strength and conditioning coach Karl Lim and another $24,000 worth of equipment.
Indonesia’s project with Marcos Sugiyama, which ended in late 2025, was complemented by $75,000 in equipment assistance. Kazakhstan also benefited from a completed Volleyball Empowerment project valued at $10,500.
The FIVB program provided participating federations with different forms of assistance based on their respective needs, including coaching support, training equipment and knowledge-transfer initiatives.
The support was aimed at improving national team programs, upgrading training environments and strengthening the technical expertise of coaches, staff and administrators.
For the Philippines, the assistance formed part of its longer-term preparation for the 2029 World Cup and efforts to sustain the continued growth of women’s volleyball in the country. (Adrian Co)
