The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Local Organizing Committee Executive Board held its first comprehensive meeting Friday at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) office at The Bonifacio Prime in Taguig City.
The prestigious tournament, scheduled on Sept. 12-18, has the full backing of both the government and the private sector.
“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 Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee Executive Board, with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, son of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“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,” added Frasco.
Also present during the meeting were sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Asian Volleyball Confederation and Philippine National Volleyball Federation 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 chairperson 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, chairman emeritus 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,” he said.
With 244 days left before the competition, Suzara said operations are in full swing.
“We’re moving forward with the preparations. It’s a lot of work so we need all the support and help from all the stakeholders and sponsors,” said Suzara, also one of the FIVB executive vice presidents.
“We’ll make this happen alongside the new slogan of the FIVB, which is ‘Together As One.’ Tuloy-tuloy po tayo,” he added.
Bachmann is confident that the country’s solo hosting of the tournament will be successful.
“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 support of the FIVB MWCH.
“Just like the FIBA World Cup, the POC is in full support for this hosting. Just like basketball, now it’s volleyball,” he said. “We’re preparing also for the SEA Games hosting back in Manila so it’s an all-out preparation.”
The LOC Executive Board also has Senator Pia Cayetano as member. (PNA)
