President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received a unique birthday present on Saturday as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship announced reduced ticket prices to mark his 68th birthday and thank Filipino volleyball fans for their support.

“To give back to Filipino volleyball fans and on the same day that our President celebrated his birthday, it’s but fitting that the LOC and the national volleyball federation offer this gift to the most important stakeholders of the sport—the President and the fans,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation and LOC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said.

“We have a President whose love for sports reverberates in the four corners of our country, not only in volleyball, but in all sports, especially grassroots development,” he added, while also thanking the Philippine Sports Commission led by chairman Patrick Gregorio for backing the President’s goals for Philippine sports.

President makes ceremonial serve at opening

President Marcos graced the opening ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, making the ceremonial serve and showing support for Alas Pilipinas in its Pool A match against Tunisia in the 32-nation world championship. The First Family was also present, with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and sons William Vincent, co-chair of the LOC, and Joseph Simon cheering from courtside.

Suzara said the new ticket prices will be announced in time for Sunday’s resumption of pool matches at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The President, meanwhile, marked his 68th birthday with a festive “Salo Salo sa Palasyo” at Malacañang, opening the Kalayaan Grounds to the public, leading a nationwide medical mission, and launching the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” (BBM Na!) initiative that sold rice for P20 per kilo nationwide.