The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) officially launched its National Referee Course, Coaches Training, Accreditation, and Levelling 2025 in Isabela City from June 3 to 8, with the theme: “To Raise the Bar of Excellence in Managing and Officiating Volleyball.”
Held at Basilan National High School, the national training brought together 203 participants from Regions 7, 9, 10, 12, CARAGA, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Participants included aspiring and current volleyball referees, sports officials, and physical education instructors committed to enhancing the technical competence and standardization of officiating across the country.
The opening program commenced with a warm welcome from BNHS Principal Dr. Lyna Basri, and PNVF Chairman Dr. Arnel Hajan, who presented both national and international delegates and officials.
In her message, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman welcomed the participants and highlighted Isabela City’s commitment to promoting growth and excellence through sports development, while Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jay Montealto emphasized volleyball’s role in cultivating discipline, teamwork, and unity among individuals within the school and local communities.
Basilan Lone District Representative and Governor-elect Mujiv Hataman also graced the event, expressing strong support for national-level sports programs that foster excellence, discipline, and unity across the country.
International referees including PNVF Referees Chairman Yul Benosa, Nestor Bello, Herbert Matimatico, and Jose Garry Jamili led the technical sessions, covering the latest updates in volleyball rules, officiating mechanics, game management, and referee levelling standards. The course is recognized by both PNVF and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), and approved by PNVF and AVC President Ramon Suzara. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
