Manila: All is set for the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women's Volleyball Cup which starts on Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. A total of 12 teams will battle for honors in the continental competition that runs until June 14. The tournament atmosphere is already building up in the bustling city, with upgraded training facilities, expanded accommodations, and additional practice venues.

According to Philippines News Agency, after successfully hosting the Men's Southeast Asian V. League last year and staging domestic professional competitions, Candon City has become a top sports destination in the Philippines. Mayor Eric Singson called it a 'milestone event' for the city and vowed to continue to work with Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman John Patrick Gregorio and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Ramon 'Tats' Suzara to help elevate sports and boost sports tourism.

'We are grateful to the PSC and the AVC for giving Candon City the opportunity to host an event of this scale. Beyond the competition, we want to showcase our city's readiness and, more importantly, the hospitality of our people,' Singson said in a news release Wednesday. Buoyed by the experience from the five-nation Men's Sea V. League, Candon City has enhanced the 8,000-seat Candon City Arena to support teams and tournament operations, while also installing a strength and conditioning gym on the third floor. Two dedicated training venues have also been put up for team preparations during the nine-day tournament.

Singson is also eager for local fans to experience elite international women's volleyball firsthand this time with the tournament presented by the PSC, FIVB, Volleyball World, and AVC. 'We're excited to welcome these teams to Candon and share this moment with our fans,' Singson said. The Philippine team is in Pool A with Chinese-Taipei, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Australia, and Uzbekistan, while Pool B is composed of defending champion Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Lebanon.