Malacañang last Sunday lauded Manila’s emergence as the host of the 2023 International Basketball Federation (Fiba) World Cup, saying it is an opportunity for the country to spur tourism and businesses, all the while showing the country’s love for the sport.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Harry L. Roque Jr. said the government is thankful to Manny V. Pangilinan and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for their effort to bring the Fiba World Cup to the country.
“The Palace is pleased to announce that the Philippines, together with Indonesia and Japan, will be hosting the 2023 Fiba World Cup. We thank everyone for their tireless dedication and hard work to make this hosting possible,” Roque said.
He added Manila hosting the 2023 edition of the basketball world cup will be an opportune time to showcase the Filipinos’ love for the sport. “It will be a great opportunity for a basketball-loving country like the Philippines to show to the world our love for the sport and our unity as a people,” Roque added.
“Together, let us make the 2023 Fiba World Cup in the Philippines a great success,” he added.
On the other hand, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar branded Manila’s hosting of the Fiba World Cup as “the country’s reemergence and rising prominence in the world of international sports,” noting the last time Fiba was held here was in 1978.
“The 2023 World Cup is slated for Manila, Okinawa and Jakarta, with the group stages to be played in five venues. We can expect this to spur tourism even further and provide added stimulus for businesses, as well as investments,” Andanar said.
“We laud the initiative, hard work and commitment of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan in championing the country in securing the coveted games. We are looking forward to #PlayLouderIn2023,” he added.
#PlayLouderIn2023 is the official hashtag of Manila’s bid to become host of the basketball world cup.