Angara confident PH's hosting of 2023 FIBA World Cup will boost tourism, sports opportunities
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Monday, August 29 expressed confidence the Philippines’ hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup will serve as a platform for the country to boost its tourism and at the same time, expand opportunities in the field of sports.
Angara, who chairs the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), noted how country has been recognized for its love for basketball and a tourism destination.
“We are excited to once again be host to the biggest international tournament for basketball,” Angara said in a statement.
“The last time we hosted this event was in 1978 so this is something that all Filipinos are looking forward to, both as a recognition of the Philippines as one of the biggest markets for the sport and the commitment of the government to open its doors once again to the world,” the senator pointed out.
“It will be a huge opportunity for the whole country, not just in terms of basketball, but also for tourism and business,” he added.
A year before the country opened its doors once again as a host country, Angara met with FIBA officials to discuss the growth of the Philippine basketball and the opportunities presented by the event for the country.
In particular, Angara met with FIBA top brass President Hamane Niang and Secretary General Andreas Zagklis in preparation for the Philippines’ hosting duties, which it will share with Indonesia and Japan.
Notably, Angara said Gilas Pilipinas is already qualified for the 2023 FIBA World Cup based on its global ranking and as host to the tournament.
He also said the economic benefits brought about by the 2023 FIBA World Cup hosting duties will be on a much larger scale than what it was back in 1978.
“The biggest stars who are brands in themselves and companies will be in the country in August 2023. The last one we hosted was in 1978, but as the FIBA guys mentioned—because of social media and the growth of basketball around the world, this will be much bigger,” the lawmaker said.
“We still have a lot to do in terms of preparations for our hosting duties, but we give our full support to this endeavor, which will benefit our tourism sector and the economy as a whole,” Angara stressed.