Ruben Labay, a pioneer of Philippine volleyball and a member of the national team that won the country’s first Asian Games medal in the sport in 1962, has died. He was 83.

His passing in May was confirmed by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), which paid tribute to Labay as one of the foundational figures of the sport in the country.

Labay was part of the men’s national team that secured a bronze medal at the 1962 Asian Games, marking the Philippines’ first-ever volleyball medal in the continental competition. The achievement is widely regarded as a milestone that helped establish the sport’s early international standing for the country.

The PNVF said Labay represented the Philippines with “excellence, discipline, and pride,” and credited him with helping lay the groundwork for future generations of Filipino volleyball players.

“His contribution extends beyond medals and matches,” the federation said in a statement. “His commitment to the game helped lay the foundation of Philippine volleyball, inspiring generations of athletes who continue to carry the flag today.”

Labay is remembered as part of the early generation of athletes who helped shape competitive volleyball in the Philippines during its formative years on the international stage.