FIVB worlds gains full backing in Laoag

MANILA, Philippines — Laoag City showed its full support to the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship next month after it staged the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at the newly opened SM City-Laoag over the weekend.

Cignal standouts Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo and Vince Malinao graced the campaign that was launched at the SM Seaside in Cebu two weeks before and would culminate down South at the SM Downtown in Cagayan de Oro.

Part of the tour was the staging of a mini-tournament at the Dap-Ayan Park where the Block Builders, spearheaded by eventual Most Valuable Player John Paul Lorenzo, ruled the field over rivals North Western University, Laoag men’s team and Pasuquin.

“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Tats Suzaram, who also thanked PNVF charter committee member Faivo Bartome, Ilocos Norte sports consultant Joseph Co and city vice mayor Carlos Fariñas for making the event possible.

Official mascots KidLat and Hataw also graced the event along with Department of Tourism’s Bon Derryl Pugal and Evangeline Dadat and Senior Tourism Operations Officer and SM City Laoag’s Engr. Gian Carlo Quiaoit.

The FIVB Men’s Worlds kick off with Alas Pilipinas battling African champion Tunisia at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the MOA Arena where K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR is also performing.

The 32-nation world championship is scheduled until September 28 and tickets are available at the official website https://www.philippineswch2025.com/.