Senator Alan Peter Cayetano highlighted the immense potential of the country’s single-hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025 next year, which he said can attract millions of fans worldwide.
“Sabi ng Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), grabe ang potential sa Pilipinas,” Cayetano said during “PH to Serve,” a concert held in Malacañang on the night of September 15, 2024 to mark a one-year countdown for the sporting event, which will be held on September 12 to 18, 2025.
“When it was brought to our attention that the Philippines could host or bid for the world championship, we tried for both the women and men world tournaments. Nakuha natin y’ung men. [We’re very excited because] this will open up doors not only for the country but for the 800 million fanbase ng volleyball sa buong mundo,” he said.
Cayetano and his sister Senator Pia Cayetano played a crucial role in bringing international volleyball tournaments to the Philippines, the most recent being the semifinals leg of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) last June.
He expressed enthusiasm about the prospects for sports tourism the championship presents to the country.
“Unang-una ang mga target natin – Korean, Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Japanese – are precisely those who really travel to watch volleyball [games]… If we prepare our airport, hindi natin sila pahihirapan sa visa, at maganda ang marketing ng event, they’ll really come,” he said.
“And the thing is when they see the beauty of the Philippines, babalik-balik ‘yan,” he added.
Cayetano said the tournament would serve as an “appetizer” for showcasing the Philippines’ tourism.
“Main event siya in terms of the sports, pero sa tourism, appetizer lang ‘yan. Once the tourists are here, we can advertise our islands, mountains, culture, and food,” he said.
Cayetano, as Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), and Senator Pia have been dedicated supporters of volleyball since recognizing the sport’s potential during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Cayetano also expressed gratitude to key supporters, particularly business mogul and sports patron Manny Pangilinan who has made significant contributions to sports in the country.
“We’d like to thank talaga MVP – Mister (Manny) Pangilinan – kasi hindi lang sa basketball, sa ibang sports grabe ang kanyang support,” he said.
He also commended the administration’s commitment to the event.
“Y’ung suporta ng administration is 100 percent. [My Local Organizing Committee] Co-chairs Vinny Marcos and Tourism Secretary (Christina) Frasco are really working hard,” he said.
With a year of preparation ahead, Cayetano is confident that a combination of hard work, faith, and coordination will ensure a successful tournament.
“We really have to work hard, put a step to our faith, and a lot of coordination and prayer. But as I said, maganda na ang seed ng volleyball dito, maganda rin ang soil. So what we’re just trying to do is prepare the environment for this competition,” he said.
Looking to the future, Cayetano envisions further growth in the country’s sports hosting capabilities.
“Ten years from now, I really see many, many more coliseum at multi-sports na talaga ang Pilipinas,” he said.
