Alas Pilipinas Secures Historic Win, Climbs in FIVB World Rankings

Sports | Volleyball Posted on 2025-09-22 16:20:23

MANILA – Alas Pilipinas carved its name in history after scoring its first-ever victory in the FIVB Men’s World Championship, a breakthrough that lifted the Philippines’ global volleyball standing.

The team jumped from world No. 88 to No. 77, now ranking 19th out of 32 competing nations. The Filipinos sit just behind France (18th) and ahead of volleyball powerhouses Cuba (20th) and Germany (21st).

Alas Pilipinas achieved the milestone with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 triumph over Egypt. The squad also pushed defending Asian Games champion Iran to a five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-23, 20-22, before bowing out in their final match on Sept. 18.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, co-chair of the local organizing committee, lauded the achievement, noting that host countries with low rankings are usually expected to compete only for experience.
“Ginulat tayo ng pusong Pinoy talaga (The Filipino heart really surprised us),” he said.

Individual Filipino players also shone in the tournament:

• Bryan Bagunas – No. 3 in Scoring (70 points), No. 3 in Attacking (61), No. 7 in Blocking (6);

• Joshua Retamar – No. 4 in Setting (111 successful plays);

• Steven Ybanez – No. 7 in Digging (21), No. 5 in Receiving (23);

• Marck Espejo – No. 4 in Receiving (24), No. 7 in Blocking (6).

Cayetano said the team’s progress reflects not only the athletes’ dedication but also the growing passion of Filipinos for volleyball.
“We are very proud, but hopefully not only when we win. Their success is the result of many years of sacrifice,” he added.

NPO News Team I PNA-PR

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