Alas Pilipinas men’s team libero Josh Ybañez echoed the concerns raised by captain Bryan Bagunas over the lack of support for the national team, saying the players have continued to rely on one another as they compete at the Asian Games.
Ybañez addressed the issue in a series of messages shared with his followers following the Philippines’ straight-set loss to South Korea in its opening match of the men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday.
“Di ba namin deserve supportahan? tanong lang,” Ybañez wrote in one of his messages.
The young libero also reacted to the team’s situation with a remark about the players having to deal with difficulties beyond the court.
“Talo na nga gutom pa, ano na pinas! jusko HAHAHAHA😭 kanya kanya na to!!!” he wrote.
Ybañez later clarified that the players were not bringing up their situation as an excuse for the 25-16, 27-25, 25-22 defeat to South Korea.
“Just to clarify, we’re not speaking up to make excuses for that loss earlier or para i justify ang pag underperform, hehe,” Ybañez said.
He stressed that the team continued to give its best despite the circumstances surrounding its preparation.
“We are always trying our best to play according to what we have. Preparation wise? Tagilid talaga kami jan,” he added.
Ybañez also emphasized the unity within the squad, saying the players continued to support one another as they represented the country.
“Sabi nga ni kuya Mark, ‘Laban nalang natin ’to para sa isa’t isa.’ We have each other’s backs. We’re doing it for ourselves and for the team,” he said.
“Kaya nilaban namin ’tong Asian Games! Just wanna share it! Thank you, guys!”
His comments came shortly after Bagunas revealed that some Alas Pilipinas players had not received their allowances since July and had been forced to borrow money to cover transportation and other expenses.
Bagunas said some players had to ask teammates or other people for money just to get to training or travel home, while the team also encountered difficulties with meals and other daily needs.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) subsequently acknowledged the concerns raised by Bagunas and apologized to the national athletes.
The federation said it recognized that some athletes had been shouldering their own expenses and, in some cases, borrowing money. It also admitted that the efforts made so far were not enough.
The PNVF said president Frank Lao had personally advanced funds for some immediate needs of the national teams, including allowances for the men’s squad before its departure for the Asian Games.
Despite the federation’s response, Ybañez’s latest comments showed that the players remain focused on supporting each other as they continue their campaign in Japan.
The Philippines next faces China, the reigning Asian Games silver medalist, on Monday. (Adrian Co)
