August 2023 stands as the mecca of basketball, with the FIBA World Cup looming in the distance—as the Philippines’ hosting bid merits the national government’s attention.
With the 55,000 seating capacity of the Philippine Arena welcoming the world, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended classes in public schools and government work in Metro Manila and Bulacan on August 25, 2023, to supplement the first matchday.
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The Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin-signed memorandum circular notes the administration’s commitment “towards wider involvement and participation in sports promotion and development, extending its full support and assistance to the Philippine Sports Commission.”
Considering the apparent traffic on-site spectators would have to brave, in line with the safety and security of all attendees, the Philippine Government expresses its support as President Marcos Jr. will lead the ceremonial toss to commence the quadrennial event.
The Philippine leg of the opening day features the Angola-Italy and Philippines-Dominican Republic contests housed in the Philippine Arena, as Pasay’s Mall of Asia Arena will host the Mexico-Montenegro and Egypt-Lithuania matchups, respectively.
