As the Philippines prepares for the solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stressed the importance of building a strong foundation – not just for sports hosting but also for building communities and transforming the nation.
“We all know that to do all of those you need a good seed, a good soil, and a right environment,” Cayetano, Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), said in his speech on September 14, 2024 during the Drawing of Lots (DOL) for the championship at Solaire Resort.
“We know that volleyball is a good seed. It’s an instrument to change the world, the individual, team, school, and the community,” he added.
The senator praised the country’s progress in hosting international sporting events, highlighting successful past events like the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup in May where the Women’s National Volleyball Team, Alas Pilipinas, won a bronze medal.
“You’ve seen the seed of women’s volleyball in the country and how it’s grown, you’ve seen the seed in the Philippines, you’ve seen the good soil,” he said.
Cayetano also noted the Philippines’ growing enthusiasm for the sport, pointing to the passionate fan base that supports both national and international teams.
“You want to know our secret? The legendary hospitality of the Philippines. One of the few countries where everyone cheers not only for their country,” he said.
Cayetano, along with his fellow Local Organizing Committee (LOC) co-chairs, officially launched the one-year countdown to the championship. The event featured a trophy handover and team pool draws, marking a historic first with the 32-nation lineup for the championship.
Also present at the event were co-chairs William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Senator Pia Cayetano, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Cayetano gave assurance that the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, which is set to run from September 12 to 28, will be a unique and memorable event.
“Allow us through actions to show you our gratitude. Please wait and see what we can do with the good soil and seed of the Men’s World (Volleyball) Championship 2025,” he said.
In an interview following the event, the senator also shared his thoughts on how hosting the championship will be beneficial not only for the country, but also for the athletes and the sports community.
“We’re hoping that this will give so much opportunities for the country. And y’ung hosting, grabe ‘yan. Eight hundred million fans worldwide – kahit saan mo tingnan (it’s a) win-win for us,” he said.
“We need things like this. Sports is something we can really use for transformation,” he added.
