MANILA – The V-League, the country's first-ever amateur volleyball tournament, is making its way to the Visayas.

Volleyball fans will witness high-level competition in the V-League Visayas featuring the best collegiate teams in Cebu.

Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) defending champion University of San Carlos (USC) and runner-up University of Southern Philippines Foundation Inc. (USPF) lead the participants in the tournament aimed at boosting the sport in the region.

Also competing are University of Cebu (UC), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), University of the Philippines-Cebu (UP-Cebu), and Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U).

“Many of the country’s top volleyball stars have come from Cebu, and it’s about time we help grow the game even further in the Visayas. With V-League Visayas, we are providing another platform to support the CESAFI tournaments and give players more opportunities to shine,” Sports Vision Management Group Inc. president Richard Palou said on Friday.

More than just another tournament, the V-League’s expansion into Visayas is a testament to the region’s role in shaping national volleyball talents.

“The Visayas has been a powerhouse in the volleyball national program. The dedication and hard work of our coaches and players in this region have been our foundation. It’s about time that we give them the platform to showcase the best talents,” V-League Visayas commissioner Ken Ucang said. “We are one V-League."

More details, including schedules and official matchups, will be announced in the coming weeks. (PNA)