Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formed an inter-agency task force to prepare for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, which will be co-hosted by the Philippines.
Marcos signed Administrative Order No. 5 on Monday, March 27, constituting the task force that will be led by the chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The directive states that the group will be in charge of streamlining and coordinating all government efforts with the plans of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) — the national basketball association recognized by the FIBA — and its local organizing committee with regard to the upcoming global competition.
Apart from the PSC chief, the task force will also consist of the heads or designated representatives of the following agencies and offices:
– Department of Foreign Affairs
– Department of Health
– Department of the Interior and Local Government
– Department of Public Works and Highways
– Department of Tourism
– Department of Transportation
– Bureau of Customs
– Bureau of Immigration
– Philippine National Police
– Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
Other government agencies, offices and instrumentalities, including state-owned or -controlled corporations, universities and colleges, are also directed “to extend full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates” to the PSC and SBP in the preparatory activities.
“The successful organization and hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 requires the involvement, coordination, and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector,” the order read.
This year’s World Cup – which the country will host alongside Japan and Indonesia – will run from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
It is the second time that the Philippines will host the international basketball tournament after the 1978 edition.
