By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for approving the request for funding for the country’s hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025 in September.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to the President [Marcos] for his very significant support for the world championship,” said PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara in a statement Friday.
PNVF is the lead body in the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the world championships which the country is solo hosting for the first time from Sept. 12 to 28.
“And the LOC’s gratitude equally goes deeply for the First Lady [Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos] who, from the start, has shown her love for volleyball, just like millions and millions of Filipinos,” added Suzara, who also serves as Asian Volleyball Confederation president.
Malacañang made the official approval in a memo addressed to Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Richard Bachmann and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
“The Philippine sports community is deeply grateful for the commitment of His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. in promoting a historic and excellent hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships in September,” Bachmann said.
Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos co-chairs the LOC with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco with Bachmann leading the LOC board also composed of Senator Pia Cayetano, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan.
“The President’s leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing both the public and private sectors, uniting the entire sports community to work together toward the success of this prestigious tournament. With such extraordinary support from all sectors, we are demonstrating that the Philippines is a premier global destination for sporting events,” said Bachmann.
Official Ambassadors Bryan Bagunas and Eya Laure, both members of the Alas Pilipinas Men and Women national teams, also thanked Marcos for his support to the world championships.
“We’re already running inspired and motivated to play in the world championships right before our countrymen but this support from President Marcos all the more boosts our morale,” said Bagunas, the Alas Pilipinas men’s team captain.
A total of 32 countries, including host Philippines, Alas Pilipinas, are participating in the world championships to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The tournament is 98 days away and preparations have shifted to higher gear, starting with the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Malacañang initially stamped its imprimatur on the hosting through Administrative Order No. 30 which directs relevant government agencies and instrumentalities to support the prestigious event. (PNA)
