Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the decision of the International Basketball Federation (Fiba) to choose the Philippines, together with Indonesia and Japan, as hosts of the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque thanked everyone who worked tirelessly—the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan—to convince Fiba to grant Manila hosting rights for the basketball world cup.
“It will be a great opportunity for basketball-loving country like the Philippines to show to the world our love for the sports and our unity as a people,” Roque said.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar noted that the last time the Philippines hosted a Fiba Word Cup was in 1978.
“Winning the bid to host Fiba 2023 World Cup together with Japan and Indonesia marks the country’s reemergence and rising prominence in the world of international sports,” Andanar said.
“The 2023 World Cup is slated for Manila, Okinawa and Jakarta, with the group stages to be played in five venues,” he added.
Andanar said the games would spur tourism in the country even further “and provide added stimulus for businesses as well as investments.”