TINANGGAP ng International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) bilang bagong miyembro ang Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc. (PNVFI) na pinamumunuan ni Tatz Suzara.

Sa isinagawang World Congress ng FIVB via Zoom, nagsagawa ng online voting kung saan 155 sa 190 boto ang pumabor na tanggapin ang PNVFI bilang sanctioned organization sa Pilipinas.

Sa naturang botohan, pormal na ring inalis ang recognition sa matagal nang miyembrong Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) at sa naunang binuo ng POC na Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI).

Nagwagi si Suzara sa inorganisang election ng volleyball stakeholders ng Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) nitong Enero 25. Hindi nakiisa rito si PVF president Edgardo ‘Tito Boy’ Cantada dahil sa aniya’y taliwas sa itinatakda ng FIVB.

Nitong 2015, sa tulong ng POC na pinamumununa noon ni Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco, nabuo ang LVPI bilang kapalit ng PVF. Nilabanan ito ni Cantada sa FIVB at noong 2018 General Assembly ng FIVB nanatili ang membership nito, subalit binigyan ng karapatan ang LVPI na magbuo ng National Team hangga’t hindi natatapos ang isasagawang special investigation.

“Thank you to POC President Bambol Tolentino and Secretary General Edwin Gastanes for initiating an inclusive and unifying approach to the elections,” pahayag ni Suzara.

“Now, our work begins to fulfill our singular commitment to all stakeholders. At PNVF, we serve volleyball.”

Tinanggaop naman ni Cantada ang naging desisyon ng FIVB, ngunit iginiit niyang magpapatuloy ang programa ng PVF sa pagtulong sa mga kabataan at pagpapaunlad ng volleyball sa grassroots level.

“I have always said that once the General Assembly of the International Federation decided against the PVF, it would be time to go. I lead the PVF in a most gracious exit with our heads held up high knowing and feeling proud that those who have chosen to stick with me and I never compromised our valued principles -- not one bit. But there would always be opportunists. I have learned to live with it.

“PVF, under my effective leadership, continues to do what it does best -- grassroots development. PVF will bring A-1 international volleyball coaches from Greece and the United States granting scholarships to deserving local coaches. PVF will continue conducting top managed age-group tournaments providing complimentary quality board and lodging at the Tanduay Athletics Volleyball Center (Cantada Sports Center) with no entry fees providing equal oppprtunities -- a long standing Cantada hallmark,” aniya. Marivic Awitan