Malacañang backs PNVF hosting of VNL, World Beach Pro Tour

u JILIANNE VICTORIA D. CO

Malacañang has extended its full support to the two major international tournaments which the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) will be hosting this year.

The PNVF headed by Ramon “Tats” will hold the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) from July 4 to 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Taguig City.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Memorandum Circular No. 17 directing “all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, and encouraging local government units” to support both International Volleyball Federation, or FIVB, tournaments.

“I would like to thank Presi- dent Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for supporting the PNVF and the FIVB in promoting volleyball in the country,” Suzara said on Thursday.

“We guarantee the success of both tournaments that not only help promote the sport in world level, but also showcase the country’s tourism,” added Suzara, who also serves as secretary of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Commission.

The PNVF was asked to host the VNL again after the FIVB was impressed with the successful staging of two VNL legs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City last year.

This year’s VNL men’s tournament will be participated by world’s No. 1 Poland, No. 2 Italy, No. 4 Brazil, No. 7 Japan, No. 9 Slovenia, No. 13 The Netherlands, No. 15 Canada and No. 26 China.

The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge is also returning to the Philippines.

Sisi Rondina and Jovelyn Gonzaga defeated Genesa Jane “Jen” Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez in the all-Fil-