PNVF stands firm and takes charge of 2026 AVC Women’s Cup hosting

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation unveiled its packed 2026 calendar on Tuesday, showcasing a lineup of major events during a press conference at its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Among the highlights is the highly anticipated 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, and the PNVF is making it clear that it will be firmly in charge.

PNVF president Anthony Liao reiterated the federation’s full control over the tournament’s organization, dismissing reports of possible outside involvement.

With the tournament scheduled for June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, speculation had circulated that an external group might oversee the event. Liao quickly shut down such rumors.

“Definitely, the PNVF will be on top of things,” he said.

Liao added that recent discussions with Candon Mayor Eric Singson clarified the division of responsibilities between the host city and the federation.

“We just went to Candon last week and we had discussions with Mayor Eric [Singson]. Sabi nga niya, Candon will host, PNVF will organize,” Liao explained.

“‘Yun din ang sasabihin niya du’n na they will host, then they will connect,” he added.

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Here are the 12 qualified teams for the AVC Women’s Cup 2026:

​🇵🇭 Philippines (Host)
​🇦🇺 Australia
​🇭🇰 Hong Kong, China
​🇮🇩 Indonesia
​🇮🇷 Iran
​🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
​🇰🇷 S. Korea
​🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
​🇱🇧 Lebanon
​🇹🇼 Chinese Taipei
​🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
​🇻🇳 Vietnam#AVCCup2026 #volleyball… pic.twitter.com/9lpNC92Nno

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) February 2, 2026

Beyond those concerns, another speculation surprised Liao, that the Alas Pilipinas Women’s team might not compete in the home tournament.

“The national team will definitely play kasi nagulat ako last week, may nagtatanong sa ’kin kung totoo raw na walang women’s team,” he said. “Sabi ko, we are hosting so imposible naman na walang women’s team. I don’t know where that came from pero definitely, ‘yung Alas women’s team will be playing there.”

For Liao, hosting is about more than logistics, it’s about representation. A home tournament without the national team was never an option.

Looking ahead, the federation is also exploring structural changes that could impact Philippine volleyball. 

One plan would allow Alas Pilipinas head coach Tai Bundit to identify and secure national team prospects before teams make their selections in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft—an approach that could reshape how talent moves between national and professional programs.

The 2026 AVC Women’s Cup is just one event in a packed international schedule. The Philippines is also set to compete in the 6th Asian Beach Games, the Asian Women’s U18 Championship, the 6th SEA V-League Women’s Week 1 and 2, the FIVB U17 Girls’ World Championship, and the 19th Asian Games.

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