Sports have the power to transform a nation not only by fostering unity among supporters but also by driving growth in tourism, according to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

“Hindi natin dapat bale-walain na ang sports, lalo na kapag hosting, nakakapag-unite sa atin. We need events like this because win-win [situation] ito,” Cayetano said during the Drawing of Lots (DOL) for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, which the country will single-host next year.

“Ang daling sabihin na hu’wag gawin ito,’ but sports is something that we can really use for transformation,” the chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) added.

The senator, also the Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), stressed the unifying power of sports events like the FIVB, especially as volleyball continues to grow in popularity in the country.

“Volleyball is a community, it’s growing, and it’s a good seed. We honor God because there are communities that support all of these competitions all around the world, and support not only the athletes but the people behind the athletes,” he said.

Cayetano also highlighted the advantages of hosting international events, particularly the upcoming volleyball championship.

“We’re hoping that this will give so much opportunities for the country because there are eight hundred million fans worldwide and ilang percent diyan ang mahilig manuod ng live. So even sa tourism, kahit saan mo tingnan, ay win-win [situation tayo],” he said.