Malacañang cites SBP for World Cup hosting

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday welcomed the announcement that the Philippines would be hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Indonesia and Japan.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the hosting would be a great opportunity for a basketball-loving country like the Philippines to show to the world its love for the sports and the unity of its people. 

“We thank everyone for their tireless dedication and hard work to make this hosting possible,” Roque said in a statement. 

“Together, let us make the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines a great success,” he added. 

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said winning the bid to host the basketball tournament marks the country’s “reemergence and rising prominence in the world of international sports.”

“We laud the initiative, hard work and commitment of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan in championing the country in securing the coveted games. We are looking forward to #PlayLouderIn2023,” Andanar said. 

Pangilinan is the chairman emeritus of SBP.

“We can expect this to spur tourism even further and provide added stimulus for businesses as well as investments,” Andanar added. 

The Philippines last hosted FIBA World Cup in 1987. The 2023 World Cup is slated for Manila, Okinawa and Jakarta, with the group stages to be played in five venues. The Philippines will be hosting the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals up to the final.

The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia were named as hosts of the international basketball tournament after Argentina and Uruguay withdrew their bid.