Manila: Preparations are ramping up for the FIVB 2025 Men's World Championship, with the Philippines set to host an international roster of 32 nations. The event, scheduled to take place from September 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena, has seen concerted efforts from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), and various government stakeholders, including Malaca±ang and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
According to Philippines News Agency, Ramon 'Tats' Suzara, president of the PNVF and the Asian Volleyball Confederation, confirmed that all preparations are on track. During the Final Technical Working Group Inter-Agency Meeting held at the Century Park Hotel, Suzara expressed gratitude to both government and private sectors for their contributions to ensure a successful and secure hosting of the championship. "Everything is on track when it comes to preparedness," Suzara stated, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in play.
The meeting was attended by key figures such as William Vincent 'Vinny' Araneta Marcos, co-chair of the LOC alongside Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. Suzara acknowledged President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza, and their son Vinny for their roles in supporting the event. "It's going to be busier weeks ahead of us with all agencies working hand in hand," Suzara noted.
Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the PSC and head of the government task force for the championship, voiced his confidence in the event's organization. He assured the nearly one hundred officials and representatives present that coordination among all parties would be seamless. "I'm so confident that [PNVF] president Tats Suzara will absolutely make this work. He knows how to do it," Gregorio affirmed.
The LOC includes notable members such as Senator Pia Cayetano, Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino. Attendees of the meeting represented a wide range of agencies, including the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, and others.
In the lead-up to the championship, promotional activities are planned, including a Light Rail Transit Authority Ride featuring the Alas Pilipinas Women on Tuesday from LRT Line 2's Recto to Santolan Station. Additionally, the 'Set Na 'To! An Electrifying Launch' event will take place on Wednesday at the SM MOA Music Hall.