Marcos forms task force for PH hosting of FIBA World Cup

Basketball is home. And the Philippines will make the best of it. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to prepare for the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Marcos signed Administrative Order No. 5 on Monday, March 27, to streamline and coordinate the government’s efforts in preparation for the international sporting event. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) then reposted on Wednesday, March 29, the copy of the presidential directive that was published on the Official Gazette of the Philippines. His administrative order directs all government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other instrumentalities to assist the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in hosting the FIBA World Cup this year. Marcos’ directive constituted the task force that will be headed by the chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and comprised of members from the following agencies and offices: -Department of Foreign Affairs -Department of Health -Department of the Interior and Local Government -Department of Tourism -Department of Public Works and Highways -Department of Transportation -Bureau of Immigration -Bureau of Customs -Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Other government agencies, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, are likewise directed “to extend full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates” to the PSC and SBP in the preparatory activities. LGUs, non-government organizations, and the private sector are also “encouraged to lend their cooperation and support to ensure the successful conduct” of the international basketball tournament, the order read. In signing the administrative order, Marcos said the success of country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 “requires the involvement, coordination, and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector.” The Philippines, ranked 40th in the world, has been awarded the hosting rights to the 2023 FIBA World Cup. This year’s World Cup – which the country will host alongside Japan and Indonesia – will take place from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10, with the games to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.