Public school classes, gov’t work suspended in Metro Manila, Bulacan on Aug 25 for FIBA World Cup

FILE PHOTO: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Photo by WILLY KURNIAWAN / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended public school classes and government work in Metro Manila and Bulacan on August 25 to give way to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 opening.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 opening rites will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

The Palace said Wednesday the suspension of classes and work in the public sector was made official via Memorandum Circular No. 27 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 15. The memo exempted government workers whose duties involved delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and performance of vital government services.

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“In view of the commitment of the public sector towards wider involvement and participation in sports promotion and development, and in order to extend its full support and assistance to the Philippine Sports Commission in ensuring the safe, orderly, and successful conduct of the opening ceremonies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, to be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on 25 August 2023, work in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels in Metro Manila and the Province of Bulacan are hereby suspended on 25 August 2023,” the memo states.

The Palace memo noted that “suspension of work for private companies and classes in private schools is left to the discretion of their respective heads.”

The Philippines cohosts the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with Japan and Indonesia.

The Philippine Arena in Bulacan is just among the venues for the FIBA games, which will also be held in Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from August 25-30.

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 finals will likewise be conducted in the Philippines from September 5-10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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