Jasha Gamao

MANILA—The PNP Lady Patrollers and the BFP Lady Firefighters continued their dominance in the UNTV Volleyball League Season 4 preliminaries, both securing their third consecutive victories last March 8, 2026, at the Paco Arena in Manila. 

The Lady Patrollers dismantled the MMDA Lady Spikers in a convincing 3-0 sweep, maintaining their position at the top of the standings. 

Liezl Paginado earned Best Player of the Game honors for PNP, anchoring the team's offense with a clinical performance that kept the Lady Spikers winless after three outings.

Matching that intensity, the BFP Lady Firefighters doused the DENR Lawin Spikers in another straight-sets demolition (3-0). 

The Firefighters were led by the unstoppable Stephanie Adolfo, who notched her second consecutive Best Player of the Game award. 

Adolfo dominated the net with 13 points built on 11 attacks and 2 blocks, proving to be the league's most consistent offensive threat. 

The win keeps BFP tied with PNP for the best record in the preliminary round at 3-0.

In other tournament action, the COMELEC Suffragettes also secured a 3-0 victory against the DFA Emissaries, climbing to a 2-1 record. 

As the preliminaries heat up, the undefeated runs of PNP and BFP have established them as the teams to beat, while the NHA Home Masters and PhilHealth Health Insurers remain close behind with perfect 2-0 records. 

The league continues to showcase high-level government agency athleticism as teams battle for positioning in the next round.

MANILA—The AFP Lady Gunnar finally broke into the win column of UVL Season 4, surviving a grueling five-set marathon against the Pag-IBIG Fund Lady Smashers, 3-2, at the Paco Arena on March 4, 2026. 

After a shaky start that saw them drop the opening set, the Lady Gunnar displayed veteran composure to outlast the league newcomers. 

The victory provides a crucial morale boost for AFP, while the rookie Lady Smashers continue their search for an elusive first win after falling to a 0-3 record.

May Madulid proved to be the difference-maker, earning Best Player of the Game honors with an explosive 20-point performance. 

Madulid dismantled the Pag-IBIG defense with 18 powerful attacks, complemented by a block and a service ace. 

Her steady hands in the final frame ensured the Lady Gunnar stayed ahead, as they dominated the fifth set with a 15-8 finish to seal the match.

The AFP’s outside attacker admitted that it was hard for them losing their first two games.

“Of course, hindi naman kasi natatapos sa talo lang. So pag nag-stumble ka kailangan mong bumalik, and that’s what we do… It’s been hard for us na for the past two games natalo kami and siguro lacking namin sa past two games namin is nalimutan namin mag enjoy.”—May Madulid said in the post-game interview. 

The seesaw battle saw both teams trade momentum, with set scores of 21-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-17, and 15-8. 

While the Lady Smashers showed flashes of brilliance and pushed the veterans to the limit, their momentum sputtered in the fourth and fifth sets due to the in game injury of their outside spiker Diana Maceda. 

AFP’s superior execution in transition allowed them to capitalize on rookie errors, ultimately securing the win and keeping their postseason hopes alive in the competitive UVL circuit.

PASAY CITY—The Philippine Senate fast-tracked the country’s basketball ambitions on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as plenary discussions began for the naturalization of two key Gilas Pilipinas prospects. 

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan sponsored House Bill Nos. 6640 and 6641, which seek to grant Filipino citizenship to Senegalese center Maodo “Malick” Diouf and Filipino-American forward Elizabeth Jeanette Means. 

Diouf, a former UAAP MVP, and Means, an NCAA Division II standout, are expected to provide much-needed height and physicality to the national men’s and women’s 3x3 rosters ahead of the upcoming Asian Games.

During the session, lawmakers emphasized that naturalizing these athletes is more than a roster move; it is a strategic investment in the local basketball program. 

Beyond their skills on the court, both athletes have demonstrated a deep commitment to the country—Diouf has resided in the Philippines for seven years and successfully recited the Panatang Makabayan during committee hearings. 

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) remains optimistic that their inclusion will raise the level of domestic competition and secure the Philippines’ status as a powerhouse in international play.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officially returns to the hardwood as they join the competitive roster for the highly anticipated UNTV Volleyball League Season 4. 

Marking their third consecutive appearance in the tournament, the Lady Firefighters are ready to balance their life-saving duties with athletic excellence.

The team’s participation underscores the league's unique position as a premier venue for government agencies to showcase sportsmanship while championing charity causes. 

For the BFP, however, the commitment goes far beyond the scoreboard.

Team Coordinator Ms. Eloisa Banac emphasized that the tournament's charitable mission remains the heart of their participation.

“Kaya po kami sumali unang-una dahil malaking bagay po na meron kaming nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na matulungan kasi nga diba itong ating UNTV is ‘Win in Sports, Win for Charity’, so malaking bagay po na nabibigyan po namin ng tulong ang aming beneficiary.” Ms Banac stated, highlighting how every spike and save serves a higher purpose.

“We joined, first and foremost, because this is a significant opportunity to help others. UNTV’s mantra is ‘Win in Sports, Win for Charity,’ and it means a lot to us that we can provide aid to our chosen beneficiary,” Ms Banac stated, highlighting how every spike and save serves a higher purpose.

Ms. Banac also expressed profound gratitude to the BFP leadership for their unwavering support of the athletic program.

“Sobrang saya! Malaking tulong sa aming mga player na kami po ay pinapayagan ng aming management sa pangunguna po ng aming Fire Director Jesus Fernandez at sa kanyang command group, kami po ay nagpapasalamat na pinapa-join po nila kami dito,” she added.

“We are so happy! It is a huge boost for the players that our management, led by Fire Director Jesus P. Fernandez and the Command Group, allows us to represent the bureau here,” she added.

Furthermore, she extended her deepest thanks to the organizers of the UNTV Volleyball League for providing a platform where government employees can showcase their talents.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa lahat ng namumuno ng UNTV Volleyball League na binibigyan niyo po ng pagkakataon kaming mga kawani ng gobyerno ng opportunity na makapaglaro po ng volleyball at maipakita po namin ang aming talento at galing sa paglalaro ng volleyball.” Ms Banac added.

“We are grateful to the leadership of the UNTV Volleyball League for giving us government workers the opportunity to play the sport we love and demonstrate our skills on the court,” Banac added.

By allowing personnel to compete on a national stage, the BFP continues to foster camaraderie and physical fitness within its ranks. 

As Season 4 kicks off, the Lady Firefighters are prepared to prove they are just as formidable on the volleyball court as they are on the front lines of fire safety.

MANILA—The COMELEC Suffragettes delivered the first major shock of UVL Season 4, toppling the powerhouse AFP Lady Gunners in a grueling four-set battle, 3-1 (25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 25-18), at the Paco Arena last March 1, 2026. 

Shaking off a tough opening-day loss to the BFP Lady Firefighters, the Suffragettes displayed remarkable resilience to claim their first win of the triple-header. 

Despite the AFP’s disciplined defense, COMELEC’s relentless floor coverage and tactical adjustments allowed them to dominate the closing rallies, proving they are serious contenders in this year’s charity-driven circuit.

At the heart of the upset was team captain and setter Jane Yumang, who was named Best Player of the Game for her brilliant court generalship. 

While she orchestrated a balanced offensive attack, Yumang also made her mark at the service line, contributing 2 points off crucial aces that deflated the Lady Gunners’ momentum. 

Jane Yumang credited their first win to their coaching staff for providing a clear game plan for their team.

“Ang sinabi lang sa amin ni Coach, basta maka-receive kami ng maganda, maganda yung depensa namin, saka yung first ball talaga, makaka-atake kami ng maayos.”—Jane Yumang said in her post-interview with Ms. Rheena Villamor-Camara.

"Coach just told us that as long as we receive well, have good defense, and focus on that first ball, we’ll be able to attack properly."—Jane Yumang said in her post-interview with Ms. Rheena Villamor-Camara.

Her composure under pressure ensured the Suffragettes stayed ahead in the final set, securing a vital victory that reshapes the early standings of the preliminary round.

Watch the preliminary round of UNTV Volleyball League Season 4 live at the Paco Arena or via livestream at UNTV Sports and UNTV News and Rescue social media channels.