PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has approved the funding for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines this September, meaning its all systems go for the tournament featuring the world’s best squads.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) thanked the President for approving the funding request, with Ramon “Tats” Suzara, head of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), saying: “Our heartfelt gratitude to the President [Marcos] for his very significant support for the world championship.”
The PNVF is the lead body in the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the world championships the country is hosting for the first time from September 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, also the president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
Malacañang made the official approval in a memo addressed to Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Philippine Sports Commission chairman 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 Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, with Bachman leading the LOC board also composed of Sen. 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,” Bachmann added: “With such extraordinary support from all sectors, we are demonstrating that the Philippines is a premier global destination for sporting events.”
Official Ambassadors Bryan Bagunas and Eya Laure, both members of the Alas Pilipinas Men and Women national teams, also expressed their gratitude for President Marcos’s 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, team captain of the Alas Pilipinas Men.
Thirty-two nations, including the Philippines’ Alas Pilipinas, are converging in the country for the world championships that will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The world championships are 98 days away from Friday and preparations have shifted to higher gear beginning with the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals set tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
