CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The landscape of women’s sports in the Philippines just keeps on growing.
Just months after the Women’s National Basketball League got professional status, the Premier Volleyball League also followed suit.
The PVL announced that is acquired a professional license on Thursday after more than a decade of nurturing collegiate talent while also hosting tournaments in a club format in a semi-pro setting.
The Games and Amusements Board chairman described the development as an essential step to women empowerment.
“A few months back the WNBL also turned pro and at time, and also now, we say that this will show that there’s gender sensitivity, gender equality, and of course women empowerment,” said Mitra Friday in a Zoom press conference.
The PVL, which back then went as the Shakey’s V-League, started its first season as collegiate tournament for teams from the UAAP, NCAA, and Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation.
From being a college-only competition, the PVL ventured into a club setting with corporate teams joining in 2011.
Despite working on a nearly professional lifestyle—everyday trainings and carrying brand sponsors—players in the PVL were never considered pros and this led diminished opportunities for the players.
BanKo spiker Nicole Tiamzon said that even though they’re playing volleyball as a means of livelihood, that didn’t mean they were considered professionals in a business setting.
“Sometimes when we’re applying, officials will not consider what we’re doing as a profession despite what we’re doing,” said Tiamzon in Filipino. “So we’re very excited for this opportunity. This is for the kids because they’ll have something to look forward to.”
Rebisco star Alyssa Valdez said that the PVL was “in the right time to turn pro,” calling it as a “milestone” for the league.
“Volleyball players will have something to look forward to, there’s a new motivation for every volleyball player,” said Valdez. “I hope this brings competitive volleyball to the PVL and for the volleyball community itself.”