PSC wants inter-agency task force for FIBA World Cup 2023 hosting

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 23) — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is proposing the creation of an inter-agency task force that will prepare the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup next year, chairperson Noli Eala said Friday.

“Kami rin po ay nagmungkahi sa Office of the President na magtayo po ng isang inter-agency task force na magiging kaakibat po ng SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), ng FIBA, at ng local organizing committee sa pag-host ng FIBA World Cup next year,” said Eala in a public briefing. “So, ito po ay in the works na at amin pong patuloy na minomonitor and of course, nakikipagtulungan sa mga organizers ng FIBA World Cup.”

[Translation: We also proposed to the Office of the President to establish an inter-agency task force that will help the SBP, FIBA, and the local organizing committee in the hosting of the FIBA World Cup next year. So this is already in the works and we are monitoring and coordinating with the organizers of FIBA World Cup.]

The Philippines will co-host the 2023 tournament, which will run from August 23 to September 10, alongside Japan and Indonesia.

Qualifier games will be held at the Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena, while the final phase will be held at the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena.

Eala said the PSC has already allocated ₱65 million for the local organizing committee.

“Kami po ay naglaan na ngayon pa lamang po, in terms of preparation pa lang, hindi pa po ito mismong hosting, naglaan na po at nagbigay na po kami ng ₱65 million sa local organizing committee,” Eala said.

[Translation: We have already allocated, just for the preparation and not yet for the hosting proper, ₱65 million for the local organizing committee.]

“’Yun pong tulong na manggagaling po sa pamahalaan, ‘yan po ay aming hinihintay pa in terms of the coordination with Congress and with the Office of the President,” he added.

[Translation: We are still waiting for the government’s assistance and we are also coordinating with the Congress and with the Office of the President.]

Eala said that the FIBA World Cup hosting proves that the Philippines is a good destination for sports tourism.