SBP, SMC forge giant tie-up

MANILA, Philippines — The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, under the helm of the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Group, and the San Miguel Corp. forged a historic alliance to ensure the country’s successful hosting of the widely anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in August.

Led by president Al Panlilio, the SBP, and SMC, represented by sports director Alfrancis Chua, yesterday inked an official partnership as the two parties aim to make the Philippines a warm host of the 32-team world showpiece for the first time since 1978.

It was a momentous occasion for the two corporate giants and staunch sports patrons joining forces ahead of the World Cup official draw this Saturday and the tournament proper on Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.

“We thank the SMC for this support and partnership, and it really highlights the SMC’s deep experience in sports. They’ve been committed to sports for the longest time. We share the same vision for Philippine sports through basketball,” said Panlilio.

“This partnership will ensure success for our hosting. This collaboration is much appreciated. The World Cup is a hosting of our country, not only SBP, so we’re looking forward to having a successful World Cup.”

The collaboration gained ground as early as last year during a rare meeting between MVP Group chairman Manny V. Pangilinan (also chairman emeritus of the SBP)  and SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang at the SMC headquarters in Mandaluyong. Panlilio, Chua and SBP vice president Ricky Vargas were also present in the meeting.

Now, with the World Cup four months away, the alliance came into fruition as the SBP and SMC transformed into a 2-in-1 ace for the Philippines in a tri-nation World Cup hosting with Indonesia and Japan.

“Bihira mangyari ang World Cup sa atin at bihira ring mangyari na nag-join ang SMC at MVP. That’s a very big step so sa lahat ng mga Pilipino, sana suportahan niyo kami,” said Chua in the event in Makati also attended by FIBA World Cup executive director David Crocker, deputy event director Erika Dy, Cignal TV and MediaQuest president Jane Basas, and JMC Philippines head of operations John Lucas.

The SBP-SMC combo will be more than just a tieup on a corporate basis as the two sporting giants vow to pull out all the stops for the Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in front of home fans.