MANILA, Philippines — Living up to FIVB’s new motto ‘Together As One,’ the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, government, and stakeholders join hands in the 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championship on September 12 to 28.

With 245 days to go before the historic hosting of the world’s biggest volleyball event, the PNVF is ready to welcome the 31 visiting countries, who will see action at Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the help of the government and private sectors.

Article continues after this advertisement

“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 PNVF and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Tats Suzara moments after the meeting of the Executive Board of the Local Organizing Committee on Friday at the newly-minted PNVF headquarters in Taguig.

READ: Alas Pilipinas set for overseas training for FIVB men’s worlds

“We’ll make this happen alongside the new slogan of the FIVB, which is ‘Together As One’. Tuloy-tuloy po tayo.”

Sports Patron and  Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan seeks to replicate the successful Fiba Basketball World Cup 2023 hosting but in a different sport this time.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This is reminiscent of the preparations we made for the Fiba World Cup but this time it’s 32 countries so double the number of the participating countries. It’s bigger hopefully in participation of countries and tourist arrivals. We’re pleased to partner with the government in this effort in full support of the volleyball tilt this time around,” said Pangilinan of the MVP Group of Companies.

Also part of the meeting headed by Suzara and Pangilinan were Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann as well as PNVF and Sports Vision officials Ricky Palou and Tonyboy Liao along with some Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s players. 

“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 Frasco, who co-chairs the Executive Board with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.

“We’re 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.”

The Philippines will hold an International Road Show around the world, Mascot Contest and Launch, Trophy Tour, Media Broadcast Conference, Team Managers Meeting, Test Event and the 100-Day Countdown in June.

READ: PNVF ramps up preparations for FIVB men’s championships hosting

Alas Pilipinas will have a series of training camps in Japan and Europe as it braces for 11-time African champion Tunisia, current Africa titlist and Paris Olympian Egypt, and 2024 Asian Championship runner-up Iran in Pool A.

Just like in the Fiba World Cup, expect the government’s full support as the country also prepares for the hosting of the 2033 Southeast Asian Games

“It’s the same people involved in the FIBA World Cup hosting, from the private sector to the government, legislators and NSAs so we’re confident that this hosting will also be a great success,” said Bachmann.

“The POC is in full support for this hosting. Just like basketball, now it’s volleyball. We’re preparing also for the 2033 SEA Games hosting in Manila so it’s an all-out preparation for all of us,” said POC president Tolentino.

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano also graced the LOC Executive Board meeting where she joined Frasco and Pangilinan in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the PNVF AVC headquarters.