By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Organizers, as well as government officials and the private sector, are confident with the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championships happening on Sept. 12 to 28 in two major Metro Manila venues.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara presided over the executive board meeting on Friday, Jan. 10, in Taguig City that was attended by sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and other members of the local organizing committee.
“We had a very good meeting updating on the progress of our hosting and we are moving forward with the preparations,” said Suzara, who is also the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC).
“It’s a lot of work and we need all the support we could get from all sectors. We’ll make this happen,” he added.
Frasco said the tournament would also help boost the sports tourism in the country, as it is expected to attract fans from all over the world, including from the 32 participating nations in this big-time tournament.
“We’re confident that this will be a very memorable and successful hosting for the Philippines that will bring volleyball fans and players all over the world,” Frasco said.
Pangilinan, a long-time sports supporter, added the event is reminiscent of the FIBA Basketball World Cup that the country co-hosted in 2023 with Japan and Indonesia.
“We’re pleased to partner with the government in this effort,” Pangilinan said.
Tolentino and Bachmann echoed the sentiment of all officials, adding that they are always ready to lend a helping hand.
A total of 32 nations including the Philippines are competing in the tournament that will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
