The quadrennial meet unfurls in a few months.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed Administrative Order. No. 05, which created an inter-agency task force to aid the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in its preparations for hosting the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
“The task force shall have the primary duty of streamlining, integrating, harmonizing, and coordinating all government efforts with the plans and programs of the SBP and its local organizing committee, towards the effective preparation and successful participation of all delegates in the FIBA Basketball World Cup,” Marcos said in his order.
Philippine Sports Committee (PSC) chairperson Dickie Bachmann will head the task force, which will also include the heads of government agencies like the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Tourism, and Department of Public Works and Highways.
“[They] are hereby directed to extend full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates, to the PSC and SBP in the preparatory activities for the Philippines’ hosting of the World Cup,” Marcos further stated.
SBP president Al Panlilio appreciates the gesture. In a separate statement, he said the SBP is “honored and humbled” by the president’s support.
“This will aid the SBP immensely in the homestretch of our preparations for hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023,” he said.
The quadrennial conclave among the best of the best in basketball, which the Philippines is co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia, starts in August.