Jasha Gamao

MANILA—The UNTV Volleyball League Season 4 will continue to ignite the Paco Arena in Manila this Sunday, March 22, 2026 after a Wednesday game break with a high-stakes triple-header in the preliminary rounds. 

The action kicks off at 12:00 NN with a fierce opening match between the AFP Lady Gunnar and the MMDA Lady Spikers. 

Expect a defensive masterclass as these two disciplined units battle for early momentum in the standings. 

The AFP squad is determined to nail down their third straight win while the rookies MMDA team is still searching for their kick starter this season. 

The intensity continues at 2:00 PM as the DFA Emissaries take on the DENR Lawin Spikers in a clash of precision and power. 

It’s gonna be an epic batte as the DFA group still hungry for their first blood this year while the DENR still wanted to prove their existence in the league.

Closing out the explosive Sunday lineup at 4:00 PM are the Lingkod Pag-IBIG Lady Smashers, who will try to overwhelm the PhilHealth Health Insurers. 

With all six teams hungry for a win, fans can expect long rallies, strategic plays, and a display of pure athleticism from the country’s dedicated public servants.

Don't miss the chance to see your favorite government players in person, head over to the Paco Arena to catch the games live and feel the energy of the crowd! 

If you can't make it to the venue, you can still catch every spike and block from the comfort of your home by tuning in to the UNTV Sports official Facebook and YouTube channels for the full livestream. 

Be part of the action and support your team as the UVL preliminaries heat up!

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MANILA—The BFP Lady Firefighters and PhilHealth Health Insurers continue to set the pace in the UNTV Volleyball League Season 4, both maintaining flawless 4-0 records through the March 15 games. 

Their dominant performances have carved out a clear gap at the top of the standings, leaving the rest of the field scrambling to catch up. 

Following closely in the hunt are the COMELEC Suffragettes and PNP Lady Patrollers, both sitting comfortably with 3-1 records and remain within striking distance of the leaders as the preliminary round intensifies.

Meanwhile, the middle of the pack is a dead heat, with the NHA Home Masters and AFP Lady Gunnar locked at 2-2. Both teams are fighting to find the consistency needed to break into the top tier. 

Below them is the two rookie teams that are so eager to prove their caliber on the hard court. Both Pag-IBIG Fund Lady Smashers and DENR Lawin Spikers have already a taste of blood and they don’t rest until they get their momentum.

At the bottom of the table, the pressure is mounting for the DFA Emissaries and MMDA Lady Spikers, who are both still searching for their first victory after four consecutive losses. 

With the preliminaries reaching a critical juncture, every set now counts for those looking to avoid an early exit and keep their championship hopes alive.

Follow social media pages of UNTV News and Rescue and UNTV Sports for more updates about standings and game schedules of UNTV Volleyball League Season 4; Win in Sports, Win for Charity.

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.