(Photo courtesy of OneSports.PH)
Professional volleyball player and climate advocate Bryan Bagunas proudly carried the Philippine flag at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), alongside tennis star Alex Eala, at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
More than a ceremonial honor, Bagunas’ role as flag bearer represents a broader victory for the Philippines—one where athletic excellence converges with purpose-driven advocacy. A committed climate advocate, Bagunas is one of the Filipino athletes who are using their platforms to advance the intersection of sports and climate action, while promoting sustainability within sporting communities.
By leading the Philippine delegation, Bagunas embodies resilience, discipline, and collective responsibility—values that echo the country’s continuing push for climate action and sustainable development. His presence on the international stage sends a powerful message: Filipino athletes can be champions not only in competition, but also in advancing causes that protect people, communities, and the future.
Reflecting on his journey, Bagunas underscored the growing impact of hosting and participating in international tournaments in the Philippines.
“Actually, sobrang naging malaking impact yung pagdadala ng mga international tournaments sa ating [bansang] Pilipinas,” he shared. “Siyempre, nagpapasalamat tayo sa PNVF at sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa Philippine volleyball. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi tayo mapapansin.”
Bagunas began his volleyball career with the National University (NU) Bulldogs, leading the team to back-to-back championships in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Volleyball League in Seasons 80 and 81. He was named Finals Most Valuable Player in both seasons, earned the Best Server award three consecutive times from Seasons 79 to 81, and capped off his UAAP stint in Season 81 as Season MVP.
Beyond the collegiate stage, Bagunas made his mark in the regional arena as a key member of the Philippine Men’s Volleyball Team, contributing to the country’s historic silver medal finish at the SEA Games 2019—its first podium finish since 2005. His performance drew international attention, leading to a stint with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in Japan in mid-2019. In August 2022, he joined Taichung Win Streak, where he earned the Most Valuable Player award in Taiwan’s Top Volleyball League (TVL) Season 2022–2023 as an outside hitter.
Beyond volleyball, the 6-foot-5 outside hitter has emerged as a passionate advocate for climate action. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of typhoons across the Philippines, Bagunas continues to highlight the urgent need to address improper waste management and strengthen climate resilience in communities—anchoring his advocacy as a climate champion in the making.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) stands with Filipino athletes like Bryan Bagunas, whose moments on the global stage demonstrate how sports can amplify climate awareness, inspire collective action, and rally Filipinos toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
