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Alas Pilipinas captain Jia de Guzman at the SEA Women's V.League 2025. File photo from SAVA/FacebookMANILA — Alas Pilipinas captain Jia de Guzman has broken her silence on the issues concerning the national team.
In a series of Instagram Stories, de Guzman aired her side on Thursday after "stepping back and processing everything before speaking."
"Representing the country has always meant a lot to me, and I know that same pride is shared by so many athletes—but more than that, it’s something we have a responsibility to protect and build for the generations that come after us," de Guzman underscored.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) proposed the idea of an "Alas Draft," where women's athletes will be invited to only play for the national team, meant to address the availability of the players, said PNVF president Tony Boy Liao.
READ: PNVF eyes 'dialogue and collaboration' amid issues on nat'l team, athlete welfare
But for de Guzman, who played in Japan while representing the Philippines, players can thrive donning the national colors while playing for a club.
The eight-time Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Best Setter added that athletes should not be forced to choose between the national team and a league club.
READ: Alas stakeholder airs concerns over PVL Draft, calendar alignment with FIVB
"At the same time, I believe athletes should be in an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and be supported — without being put in a position where they have to choose between the national team and their careers in the league," she said.
Citing her international stint, de Guzman saw other federations making this work, and for her, the Philippines can "achieve this as well."
"Many countries have found ways to make this work, allowing athletes to develop in both environments — and have seen the positive results and growth it brings to the sport over time," de Guzman said. "I believe that’s something we can achieve as well."
READ: PNVF bares plan for Alas Pilipinas to select players at PVL Draft
Among those who shared their thoughts regarding the matter was middle blocker Fifi Sharma, who expressed "sadness" as the Alas core "falls into the wrong hands."
“This is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having a core, and it’s sad to see it fall into the wrong hands,” said Sharma recently in her Instagram broadcast channel. “It’s difficult to keep giving your all and fighting for something that consistently fails to take care of you.”
Earlier this week, the PNVF called on players, stakeholders, and fans to collaborate with the sport's governing body, following a contentious stretch wherein issues about the national team and athletes' welfare were put in the spotlight.