President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. praised Gilas Pilipinas for their valiant efforts and assured the team of the people's support of their FIBA journey, despite their loss to the Dominican Republic in their first game.

Marcos said this after Gilas Pilipinas succumbed to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, in their first game in the FIBA Basketball World Cup (FBWC) 2023 before a record-breaking audience at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Friday, Aug. 25.

In a Facebook post, the President said the Philippine team had already proven its worth on the world stage despite losing to the world no. 23 Dominicans.

"A valiant effort by Gilas Pilipinas! Already you have proven that Filipino athleticism is world-class," he said.

"The nation stands in full support of your 2023 FIBA World Cup journey," he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos was elated that the Philippines had achieved its target of breaching the world record with 38,115 basketball fans cheering inside the world's largest indoor arena, which has a 55,000-seat capacity.

"Congratulations, as well, to every attendee who helped set a new crowd record!" he said.

The number of audience inside the Philippine Arean on Friday evening erased the previous record of 32,616 for the World Cup 1994 Final at the SkyDome in Toronto, Canada.

Marcos witnessed the opening game of the FBWC 2023. He briefly met with the Gilas Pilipinas players and took a photo with them during half-time at the end of the second quarter.

The event commenced with a series of performances by Filipino musicians, including Ben&Ben, The Dawn, and Sarah Geronimo.

The Philippines is represented by the Gilas Pilipinas national team, featuring the NBA's Utah Jazz player of Filipino-American descent, Jordan Clarkson.

The country is the lead host for the FBWC 2023, with Japan and Indonesia as its co-hosts. The World Cup will run from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.