Bagunas rues Alas’ lack of support in Asian Games; PNVF apologizes
MANILA, Philippines – Alas Pilipinas Men team captain Bryan Bagunas rued the lack of financial support in the lead-up to and during the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, revealing that some players were forced to borrow money just to attend training.
xBagunas voiced his frustration after the Philippines’ 25-16, 27-25, 25-22 tournament-opening loss to South Korea on Sunday, September 27.
The star outside spiker said the players have not received their allowances since July, forcing some to miss practices during their Asian Games buildup due to financial constraints.
“Regarding our allowance, even some of the players borrowed money from our teammates or other people just so they could get to training and travel back home. It was really tough for us to practice every day. Sometimes, we’re only seven or eight in training. It was really difficult,” said Bagunas in Filipino.
“I understand because most of the players are student-athletes. We just helped each other out so we could have complete attendance in practice.”
Although the Philippine Sports Commission provided allowances to the athletes, Bagunas said Alas Men players still have to pay for expenses out of their own pockets.
For instance, Bagunas and his teammates sometimes have to buy their own meals because the serving hours at their hotel often clashed with their training sessions.
“It is really disheartening because we’re representing the country. We do not feel the support that we deserve,” said Bagunas.
All Bagunas could do is encourage his teammates as Alas Men focuses on the task at hand, with matches against China and Chinese Taipei in Group D coming up on Monday, September 28, and Tuesday, September 29, respectively.
The Philippines needs a top-two finish in the group to advance to the quarterfinals.
“I just motivate them to keep fighting. Hopefully, we’ll get better support in the future,” Bagunas said.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation apologized on Sunday following Bagunas’ remarks and explained its side, saying it continues to deal with “substantial financial liabilities and outstanding obligations” that the new administration headed by president Frank Lao inherited.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr. Bagunas in his recent interview. We recognize the sacrifices our athletes have made, including having to shoulder their own expenses and, in some instances, borrow money. This is a situation that no National Athlete should ever have to endure,” the PNVF said in a statement.
The PNVF also said that Lao gave Alas Men allowances and has advanced funds to address concerns raised by the teams competing in the quadrennial showpiece.
“Our national athletes deserve a federation that works just as hard for them as they battle for our country. Our athletes deserve better. Philippine volleyball deserves better. And we will work tirelessly to deliver better,” the PNVF said. – Rappler.com
