By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to help the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas in its preparation for the country’s co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in August.
Based on the Administrative Order No. 5, President Marcos is directing government agencies and instrumentalities to extend their support to SBP.
The order further stated that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson, will chair the task force, while the designated representatives from various government agencies will serve as members.
Among those government agencies are the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Health, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Transportation, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector are also encouraged to cooperatw to “ensure the successful conduct of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.”
In a statement, PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed his gratitude to President Marcos, as well as to Senate and Congress leaders for their support.
“The PSC continues to commit its support and cooperation for the successful hosting of the Games, and to work hand-in-hand with the SBP and other vital agencies, with the ultimate objective of creating an amazing basketball environment that unites people and encourages them to ‘Win for All’,” the statement read.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be held from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. Co-hosting the event are Indonesia and Japan.
