FIVB president Fabio Azevedo and Brazilian superstar Leila Barros jointly announced on Sunday that the Philippines will host the 2029 FIVB Women’s World Championship.

“Thank you very much for your warm welcome. Thank you for hosting the best world championships ever,” Azevedo told the big crowd that awaited the gold medal match between Italy and Bulgaria at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“But now. when you’re thinking that we’re going to the end, we have an amazing surprise …. Philippines are you ready?” Azevedo said.

Then, Barros, the darling of Filipino fans when she played here 25 years ago, followed suit and in Portuguese, said: “Congratulations Philippines! You are hosting the 2029 FIVB Women’s World Championships!”

“Mahal ko kayo!”

Then a defeaning applause followed as the arena started to fill up for the big fight.

The historic hosting is the centerpiece of a seven-year volleyball development program unveiled by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio aimed at positioning the country as a rising global hub for the sport.

“Hosting the Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2029 in the Philippines is an opportunity to again showcase not only the very best of volleyball but also the positive impact our sport has on society,’’ Azevedo said.

The 2029 Women’s World Championships will be the crown jewel among 20 international tournaments lined up by the FIVB in the Philippines from 2026 to 2032, culminating in the Brisbane Olympic Games.

“This long-term partnership with FIVB and Volleyball World—a transformative empowerment program for our athletes first, and a bold push for sports tourism toward economic growth second—will not only allow our country to be at the heart of volleyball’s global growth; it will set a historic blueprint for Philippine sports development overall,’’ said Gregorio.

Gregorio presented the ambitious roadmap before FIVB and Volleyball World officials led by Azevedo, Volleyball World CEO Ugo Valensi and FIVB Executive Vice President and Asian Volleyball Confederation President Ramon Suzara.

“We are determined to carry forward the momentum of the World Championship 2025 and channel it into something lasting for our athletes, our fans and our nation. It is also an honor to see the sport that I love contribute meaningfully to my nation’s sports and tourism agenda,’’ said Suzara, who also sits as president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

“Building on the success of the Men’s World Championship here in 2025, we know the Philippines offers the perfect stage to inspire the next generation and connect communities across the country and the region,’’ said Valensi.

Also present during Gregorio’s presentation were the five continental confederation presidents of volleyball’s world governing body and the 24-member FIVB Board of Administration as well as PNVF secretary general Don Caringal.

“We will form a consortium with private sectors and organizations to lead and sustain this project, to create even more opportunities for our athletes and fans to be part of something truly special,’’ added Gregorio, stressing that it won’t just be a government-led initiative.

Among the high-profile meets scheduled are a series of Volleyball National League tournaments and Beach Volleyball Pro Tours, plus the 2030 AVC Continental Championships which serves as the Qualifier to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“This is a landmark program and our boldest one yet, but we are absolutely committed, because we believe in the potential of the Philippines, and we could not ask for a better partner in our mission to transform the world through sport. Let us create history together for volleyball in Asia,’’ said Azevedo.

Fresh off the resounding success of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, where Alas Pilipinas made its historic debut, the PSC is leveraging the momentum to fuel a long-term transformation.

Gregorio explained the strategy combines elite athlete development with a robust sports tourism campaign, aligning with the national tourism agenda and attracting fans from Japan, the USA, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Likewise included in the seven-year program were sports education and infrastructure, broadcast production, global marketing integration, impact studies and ticketing consultancy.

“We will pursue this passionately, with much gratitude to the FIVB, Volleyball World and the entire Global Volleyball Movement for their friendship and support,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio said the program sets a clear trajectory toward Brisbane 2032, with focus on shoring up the Philippine men’s and women’s indoor and beach volleyball teams.