Jia De Guzman believes the SEA V.League bronze medals are key building blocks for Alas Pilipinas

The Philippines women’s national volleyball team has enjoyed an impressive run in the 2025 calendar year, as evidenced by Alas Pilipinas winning bronze medals in both legs of the 2025 Southeast Asian Volleyball League.

Alas Pilipinas defeated Indonesia in both legs to secure the bronze medals, helping to further the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s (PNVF) aim of making the country a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asian volleyball.

Team captain Jia De Guzman has hailed the team’s progress, believing that the consecutive bronze medals serve as key building blocks for the future.

Dawn Catindig and Jia De Guzman on their #SEAVLeague bronze medals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/QpTR2xcw92

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) August 12, 2025

“We are happy not only because of the podium finishes but also because our main goal is to build something long-term. These are all building blocks to what we want to achieve as a team, and it’s clear to both the players and coaches what we want to accomplish,” De Guzman said during the promotional campaign for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship.

The country has undoubtedly made progress over the past couple of years, with Alas also clinching a historic silver medal in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup and finishing fourth in the VTV Cup in Vietnam. Credit should also be given to current head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, who has introduced a new tactical system and improved the players’ fitness on the court.

“The small steps in building a system and getting more people to come into the team and buy into that system show that things are working. Hopefully, it continues. We’re happy that so many people and fans are invested in the sport, especially the national team, because we are bringing pride to the country and doing our best to show up and build something long-term.

“We’re very happy that everyone is doing what they can to contribute to what we’re building now. We’re grateful that a lot of people are talking about it. At the same time, the truth is we just trust the system and the coaches. We’re here to show up every day,” De Guzman concluded.

For now, De Guzman and the rest of the team are busy training and preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled for December.

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