Manila: The Philippines takes pride in hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship (FIVB MWCH) as the tournament provides an opportunity to show the world that the country is part of the international field. 'It is a rare privilege to host such a world event especially the country's popular sports, like volleyball, and I am happy to see a lot of people who are very interested in volleyball. I am very thankful to all of you, for all your all-out support," presidential son William Vincent Marcos said in his speech at the 'Spike for a Cause' fundraising dinner and fashion show at Foro de Intramuros in Manila Saturday night.
According to Philippines News Agency, proceeds of the event will support the national men's team Alas Pilipinas and the country's hosting of the 32-nation FIVB Men's World Championship on Sept. 12 to 28. Matches will be held at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Marcos co-chairs the FIVB MWCH Local Organizing Committee with Senator Allan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. The chairpersons, Senators Pia Cayetano and Mark Villar, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Rebisco Corp. president Geronimo Kamus Jr. and Honda representative Hiroaki Nakamura attended the event, along with Alas Pilipinas members.
'Hosting the world championship is a perfect fit for nation building, for a better community, and hosting leads to discipline, sacrifice and teamwork,' Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said in his speech. Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon Suzara thanked First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, stakeholders, the business industry and other individuals who are supporting the event.
'Our purpose, our vision, as how chairperson Vinny Marcos mentioned, is to capitalize on the transformative power of sports. Every match that Alas Pilipinas plays is a fight for each Filipino, for a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)," Suzara, who also serves as Asian Volleyball Confederation president, said.
