Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano lauded the Philippines’ “10 out of 10” solo hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, crediting much of its success to Filipinos’ warmth and world-class hospitality.
This as the Philippines wrapped up its hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship last September 28, where FIVB president Fabio Azevedo gave the country a “10 out of 10” rating for passionate fans and strong organization.
“What makes us a perfect venue for hosting multiple teams and multiple sports ay ang hospitality ng Pilipino. Iba talaga,” Cayetano stressed.
“The Philippines will host the 2029 Women’s World Championship.”
On the final day of the championship, FIVB also announced that the Philippines will host the 2029 Women’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena. This will be the first time the event is staged in the country and the second time in the last three editions that Southeast Asia will serve as host.
The veteran legislator, who is the Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee, said the recognition proves the Philippines’ ability to host world-class events. However, the seasoned lawmaker warned that such success will not last without a long-term national plan.
The senator then renewed his call for the creation of a Department of Sports, saying the country needs a dedicated agency to build on its recent hosting success and turn the Philippines into a sports tourism powerhouse.
“We really need a dedicated department that will provide focused leadership and a clear roadmap toward the sports industry we envision for the Philippines.”
“Right now, we have the Philippine Sports Commission. But as a commission, it doesn’t receive a regular budget every year. We really need a dedicated department that will provide focused leadership and a clear roadmap toward the sports industry we envision for the Philippines,” he said.
Filed in July, Cayetano’s proposed Department of Sports Act of 2025 seeks to create a national agency to lead sports programs and foster collaboration with the private sector.
Its main task would be to implement a National Sports Development Agenda focused on grassroots participation, athlete development, improved coaching, and modern sports facilities.
He also raised the proposal after a Senate budget briefing where the Department of Tourism (DOT) identified sports tourism as a key economic driver but admitted it is limited by lack of funds for branding and promotions.
“Hundreds of billions of dollars ang sports tourism sa buong mundo. So, in search of our identity economically — call centers, manufacturing, agriculture — we want the Philippines to be a powerhouse in sports tourism,” Cayetano concluded.
