By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The Philippines hopes to become one of the best volleyball homecourts when it hosts the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year.
A total of 32 teams will see action in the Sept. 12 to 28, 2025 tournament, one of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s (PNVF) efforts to bring the sport closer to Filipinos following the successful staging of the Volleyball Nations League for two years.
“We will make them feel at home right at our own home,” PNVF pesident Tats Suzara said during the press conference at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Tuesday.
Suzara was joined by Senator and PNVF chair emeritus Alan Peter Cayetano, Department of Tourism Director for Film and Sports Tourism Roberto Alabado III and Cignal TV president and chief executive officer Jane Basas
“I am ready. We are ready. The team is ready. The Philippines is ready to face the challenges and fulfill a dream as our hearts beat collectively to serve the sport. If you love volleyball, then you will surely love the Philippines,” he added.
Cayetano, who will serve as chair of the local organizing committee like what he did in the successful 2019 Southeast Asian Games hosting, eyes another legacy for the country.
“It’s how we, as a people, welcome the rest of the world. I believe that our hope in a successful hosting will be by faith and action — faith in God and action as a community. I believe that it’s time for the world volleyball to see how united the Philippine volleyball community is,” said Cayetano.
FIVB president Ary Graca is expecting a one-of-a-kind world championship.
“We are confident that the Philippines will host an extraordinary World Championship that will leave a lasting legacy and help cultivate an even brighter future for our sport globally,” Graca said following the announcement of the Philippines as solo host at the FIVB headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland last week.
The Department of Tourism will extend its full support to the hosting of the biggest volleyball event in the world.
“We like to assure and ensure that DOT fully supports this event. We are here to make the experience of spectators, players and visitors during this world championship in the Philippines very unforgettable,” Alabado said.
The draw will be held in Manila exactly a year before the first serve on Sept. 12, marking the country’s year-long countdown and the start of the national team buildup. (PNA)
