![“This [flood control scheme] is a corruption on a scale that we have not seen in the past,” says Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. “The Napoles scandal is like petty change compared to this.”](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ombudsman_copy_resized-218x150.jpg "FLOOD CONTROL SCANDAL: Ombudsman cases filed vs DPWH staff, contractors")
MANILA – Bacolod Tay Tung High School ace Rhose Viane Almendralejo has pulled off a double breakthrough: committing to the UAAP’s reigning powerhouse National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs while also earning a spot in the Philippine Women’s 18-U squad bound for the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October.
The 5-foot-9 outside hitter, just in Grade 11, made her decision to wear NU’s blue and gold despite being courted by several top schools. Her choice underscores NU’s continuing grip on the country’s best young volleyball talent.
“Actually, there are several schools who are recruiting Rhose this early on her career, but she thinks that she will excel more with NU,” Thunderbolts team manager Jose Montalbo told Panay News on Thursday.
“We all know naman that NU has a good volleyball program, they are the back-to-back UAAP champions, so definitely Rhose will improve her game further with NU,” he added.
Almendralejo, however, is not leaving Bacolod just yet. She will still complete her remaining two years with the Thunderbolts before packing her bags for Manila. But the Bacolodnon star is already stepping into the big stage, having been called up to the national team for the October 19–29 continental tilt.
“We received a letter from the PNVF inviting Rhose to the national 18-U team for the Asian Youth Games, and we immediately accepted it,” Montalbo said. “It is a great opportunity for Rhose to hone her skills further while also gaining experience playing internationally. She is very excited to represent the country overseas.”
In Bahrain, Almendralejo will be teaming up with NU Nazareth School Lady Bullpups standouts under coach Karl Dimaculangan as the Philippines faces perennial Asian contenders Thailand and South Korea in group play.
Adding to NU’s haul of Tay Tung talent, Thunderbolts setter Abigail Labajo has also committed to the Regine Diego-mentored Lady Bulldogs and is expected to suit up in UAAP action as early as next season./PN
