Senator Sonny Angara on Monday, September 12 expressed optimism that the Philippines is prepared to be a successful host in the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The Philippine sports is now “having a moment” with the unprecedented achievements coming its way, noted Angara, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee.

In the area of basketball, Angara, who chairs the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), said both the collegiate and professional basketball leagues have committed to support Gilas Pilipinas in its preparations for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The Philippines will serve as co-host of the World Cup. According to Angara, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has committed to hold off its games for four months leading up to the 2023 games in August 2023.

The senator reiterated the FIBA World Cup 2023 presents a unique and potentially rewarding opportunity for the Philippines, and for this reason, this effort should be supported by all Filipinos.

Angara recalled how FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis emphasized the wide range of opportunities that will come the way of the country when the superstars start arriving to play in the World Cup.

“This is very different from the time last time we hosted in 1978. Wala pa dyan yung internet, wala pa (there was no internet that time, no) billion dollar brands. He said each of these basketball superstars that will be coming over to the Philippines is a billion dollar brand in himself,” Angara said during the Senate Committee on Sports hearing today on Gilas Pilipinas.

“Sabi niya (he said), I Hope Philippine officials and Philippine companies realize the marketing opportunities available to them when these people come to the shores of the Philippines,” Angara said.

“Bigyan natin ng pag suporta ng pag host nito. Definitely I think malaki ang pangangailangan for 2023. Hindi lang milyon o daang milyon ang pinaguusapan dito kundi bilyon (Let’s support the country’s hosting of this event. Definitely, we need to bigger funds for 2023. We’re not talking about millions, but billions,” he said.

Despite this, Angara said he believes the government will earn tens of billions of dollars, in terms of revenue and exposure once its done with its hosting job.

He said the preparations for the event require a “whole of government, whole of society, whole of country approach.”

“I think Philippine sports is having a moment right now. Alex Eala delivered the first tennis grand slam in our history. Of all the greats who played tennis, si Alex Eala ang first na nakasungkit ng (who got the) grand slam sa juniors (in the junior level). Napakalaking karangalan ang binigay niya sa ating bansa (she gave the country great honor),” he said.

“Remember Yuka Saso won the first grand slam in golf by a Filipina. Hidilyn Diaz gave us our first gold medal and our best performance in the Olympics,” he also said.