GOVERNMENT raised the ante on its support for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 with the private sector significantly chipping in for the country’s first-time and solo hosting of the prestigious tournament set 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 Executive Board of the Local Organizing Committee with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
“It’s for the country and we’re very confident that this will be a very 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 buckled down to work with its first comprehensive meeting at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) offices that also serves as the headquarters for the FIVB MWCH 2025 at The BonifacioPrime in Taguig City.
Joining Frasco were sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, FIVB executive vice president and AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, PNVF officials Tonyboy Liao and Dr. Arnel Hajan, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann.
“This is reminiscent of the preparations we made for the FIBA World Cup [2023], but this time it’s 32 countries, so double the number of the participating countries,” said Pangilinan, who’s Chairman Emiritus of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“It’s bigger in participation of countries and tourist arrivals and we’re pleased to partner with government in this effort.” Pangilinan said.
With 244 days to go before 31 of the world’s top volleyball countries and the Philippine team known as Alas Pilipinas, operations are in full swing, according FIVB executive vice president Suzara, who’s also the Asian Volleyball Confederation and PNVF president.
“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 the stakeholders and sponsors.
Suzara added: “We’ll make this happen alongside the new slogan of the FIVB, which is ‘Together As One.’ Tuloy-tuloy po tayo.”
Bachmann expressed confidence in the hosting and vowed government support to help make the Philippine edition as 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 NSAs [national sports association], so we’re confident that this hosting will also be a great success,” Bachmann said.
Tolentino also pledged the POC’s full backing of the FIVB MWCH.
“Just like the FIBA World Cup, the POC is in full support for this hosting,” Tolentino said. “Just like basketball, now it’s volleyball.”
“We’re preparing also for the 2023 SEA Games hosting back in Manila so it’s an all-out preparation for all of us,” he added.
The LOC Executive Board also has Senator Pia Cayetano as member.