Big Dome, MOA eyed for FIVB world meet

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will be the only second Asian country, next to Japan, to host the FIVB Men’s World Championship when the 32 best teams in the world converge on local soil to duke it out for the coveted volley crown on Sept. 12 to 28 next year.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, who led the winning Philippine bid team at the FIVB general headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, is confident the country can do the job and deliver great experience for all the teams and global fans trooping to Manila.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and the MOA Arena in Pasay are being eyed as playing venues in the prestigious meet, with Team Philippines competing for the first time since the 1974 edition in Tehran.

“Our successful bid to host the FIVB Men’s World Championship further reinforces our country’s track record in staging world class events,” Cayetano said. “With the support and commitment of both our government and the private sector, we can be certain that it will be of the same caliber, or even better.”

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation made the winning bid with support from the government and the private sector.

“The Philippines’ hosting of this global volleyball event bolsters our sports tourism portfolio, driving economic growth, highlighting the country’s diverse array of tourism offerings that promise a truly unforgettable Philippine experience,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco in a statement read during the bid ceremony.

PNVF president Ramon Suzara stressed the federation’s readiness and willingness to accept the responsibility.

“I carry along the profound partnership with the FIVB under the inspiring leadership of Dr. Ary S. Graça and with Volleyball World under its visionary CEO Finn Taylor,” he said. “And I surely carry along the support of the Philippine government – His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Her Excellency First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Honorable Sen. Pia Cayetano, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara.”

Suzara added: “I also wish to acknowledge the presence and support of His Excellency Ambassador Bernard Faustino Dy, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and former Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra, Chairman Richard Bachmann of the Philippine Sports Commission, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino.”

He also mentioned the support from the private sector and corporate partners, led by business mogul Manny V. Pangilinan.