PNVF president Tats Suzara announced a seven-year development program with FIVB to build on the Philippines' historic World Championship debut and growing passion for men's volleyball.
With the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship bringing the best of global volleyball to Manila, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tats Suzara revealed that the groundwork is being laid to ensure the sport’s growth long after the tournament ends.
Suzara revealed that the PNVF, in partnership with the FIVB, Volleyball World, and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, is preparing a long-term development plan to bolster both the national volleyball programs.
“We’re preparing a seven-year development plan with FIVB now, to strengthen more of our men’s volleyball team, including our women’s team,” he said.
[ALSO READ: FIVB President Fabio Azevedo hails Philippines’ hosting of World Champion: ‘10 out of 10’]
It starts with Alas Pilipinas
The initiative aims to sustain the momentum built by the men’s national team, who turned heads at the World Championship with a gutsy campaign that drew packed crowds and electrified fans at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fans attend Japan's FIVB Men's World Championship game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
A large part of this is also due to the success of Alas Pilipinas, which capped its historic World Championship debut with a 19th-place finish, good for second-best among Asian teams.
Alas Men snatched a historic win against Egypt for its first-ever World Championship, before nearly pulling off the five-set victory against Iran in its final Pool A matchup.
Fan support continues
But even after the Nationals’ exit, Filipino fans have continued to pack venues, cheering on global heavyweights like Team USA, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, and Belgium.
[ALSO READ: PH fanbase, experience to elevate 2025 Men's World Championship, says FIVB President]
Suzara said this is proof of how the World Championship has expanded the country’s passion for the sport, adding that this milestone hosting has shifted the volleyball landscape in the Philippines.
“I’m very happy that the Philippine people now love men’s volleyball,” he said. “Before, it was only women’s, but now they love men’s volleyball with all the exciting trials and hard action.”
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.