The government has raised the stakes in its support for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, with significant contributions from the private sector for the country’s first-ever solo hosting of the prestigious tournament, scheduled from September 12 to 18.
“We’re grateful for all the work that has been put in for the Philippines to be ready to host this very exciting sports tourism event,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Executive Board.
She is joined by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, the son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
“It’s for the country, and we’re very confident that this will be a memorable and successful hosting by the Philippines that will bring volleyball fans and players from all over the world,” Frasco added.
The LOC Executive Board held its first comprehensive meeting at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) offices, which also serves as the headquarters for the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025, located at The BoniPrime in Taguig City.
Joining Frasco were sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, FIVB Executive Vice President and AVC and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, PNVF officials Tony Boy Liao and Dr. Arnel Hajan, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano, Secretary-General Don Caringal, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann.
“This is reminiscent of the preparations we made for the FIBA World Cup [2023], but this time it’s 32 countries—double the number of the participating countries,” said Pangilinan, Chairman Emeritus of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“It’s bigger in participation and in tourist arrivals, and we’re pleased to partner with the government in this effort,” he added.
With 244 days to go before the tournament, which will feature 31 of the world’s top volleyball nations alongside the Philippine team, Alas Pilipinas, operations are in full swing, according to FIVB Executive Vice President Suzara, who is also the President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the PNVF.
“We’re moving forward with the preparations,” Suzara said.
“It’s a lot of work, so we need all the support and help from all stakeholders and sponsors. We’ll make this happen alongside the new slogan of the FIVB, which is ‘Together As One.’ Tuloy-tuloy po tayo,” he added.
Bachmann expressed confidence in the success of the hosting and pledged government support to make the Philippine edition the best ever in FIVB history.
“It’s the same people involved in the FIBA World Cup hosting, from the private sector to the government, legislators, and national sports associations, so we’re confident that this hosting will also be a great success,” Bachmann said.
Tolentino also pledged the POC’s full backing for the FIVB MWCH.
“Just like the FIBA World Cup, the POC is in full support of this hosting. Just like basketball, now it’s volleyball,” Tolentino said.
“We’re also preparing for the 2023 SEA Games hosting back in Manila, so it’s an all-out preparation for all of us,” he added.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano graced the LOC Executive Board meeting and joined Frasco and Pangilinan in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the PNVF AVC headquarters.
