The Philippines’ preparations for hosting the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship will begin in earnest this month as the country stages the Women’s Volleyball Nations League at Philsports Arena from June 17 to 21.
According to Asian Volleyball Confederation president and FIVB Executive Vice President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, the country’s hosting of the Women’s VNL over the next three years is part of the long-term buildup toward the World Championship, which the Philippines will host in 2029.
Speaking during his visit to Candon City Arena on Thursday, Suzara emphasized the significance of securing the VNL for multiple years.
“The reason for having the Women’s (VNL) for the next three years is because of the hosting of the World Championship in 2029,” Suzara said.
The first major test comes from June 17 to 21 when the Philippines hosts Pool 5 of the Women’s VNL at Philsports Arena. The tournament will bring some of the sport’s biggest international programs to Philippine soil, including defending champion and world No. 1 Italy, No. 4 Japan, No. 7 United States, No. 9 Serbia, No. 12 Dominican Republic, and No. 13 Czechia.
For Philippine volleyball officials, the event provides a rare opportunity to evaluate not only competition operations but also venue readiness, logistics, fan engagement, and overall organizational capacity ahead of the World Championship.
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WATCH: AVC president Tats Suzara talks about Candon City’s hosting of the #AVCWomensCup and the upcoming Volleyball Nations League women in Pasig City next week. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/496dHrgf6u
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Suzara believes the quality of teams arriving in Manila will immediately provide local fans with a world-class showcase.
“We have Italy here coming, Japan, Japan is playing well now. We have Serbia, although I heard Boskovic is not there, but it’s still a strong team. Of course, the Dominican Republic is still strong. Czechia, they already arrived and I think nagti-training na sila sa Philsports. And one more team, USA,” he added.
The VNL’s return is also significant because it marks the first time the women’s competition will be staged in the Philippines since 2022, when the country hosted Pool B featuring Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Japan, Poland, Thailand, and the United States.
Beyond the matches themselves, the upcoming week could prove crucial for the future direction of Philippine volleyball. Suzara revealed that officials from the FIVB are expected to arrive during the tournament to inspect preparations and assess the current state of the sport locally amid ongoing issues involving the suspended Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
“So ito nakaka-support sa women’s national team natin. But hopefully, things will be better. Hopefully, next week when the FIVB comes to check the status of volleyball here, they’re coming here next week during the VNL and I think there will be some MOA signing between PSC and FIVB, so just be ready,” he said.
The planned visit highlights how the VNL has become more than a sporting event. It will also serve as a checkpoint for Philippine volleyball’s readiness both on and off the court as it works toward hosting responsibilities on a much larger scale.
Looking beyond this year, Suzara disclosed that organizers are already exploring the possibility of bringing the Women’s VNL to Cebu in 2027. This year’s matches were moved to Philsports Arena, a venue that has become a regular site for international competitions after hosting the AVC Women’s Champions League and other major sporting events.
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