MANILA (2nd UPDATE) -- President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the creation of an inter-agency task force to streamline the government's efforts in preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Administrative Order No. 5 directs local government units, government agencies, and other instrumentalities to assist the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in hosting this year's FIBA World Cup.

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The President also tasked heads of government departments, bureaus, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges to "extend full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates, to the PSC and SBP in the preparatory activities."

This includes assistance to materials, pieces of equipment, support services, and donations.

"The successful organization and hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 requires the involvement, coordination and support of all concerned government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector," Marcos said in signing the administrative order.

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The inter-agency task force will be headed by the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, the document read. The chair will have members from the following government agencies:

• Department of Foreign Affairs
• Department of Health
• Department of the Interior and Local Government
• Department of Public Works and Highways
• Department of Tourism
• Department of Transportation
• Bureau of Customs
• Bureau of Immigration
• Philippine National Police
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
  

In a statement, PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann welcomed the development.

"I humbly express my gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and our leaders in the Senate and Congress for their support in ensuring that the Philippines delivers the best World Cup hosting in history," said Bachmann on Wednesday.

"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 SBP said the inter-agency task force will "aid… immensely in the homestretch of our preparations for hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023."

"The President’s encouragement of local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector to lend their cooperation with the SBP will help ensure the successful hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for it to be a source of pride and joy for the Filipino people," SBP President Al Panlilio said.

Ranked No. 40 in the world, the Philippines has gained an outright berth in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Games by being one of the host nations. Also set to host the global showcase are Indonesia and Japan.

It is scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 10, 2023, with the final phase to take place at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

This is the sixth time that the Philippines is playing on the world stage, and its second time as host nation following its hosting in 1978 where it finished in the top eight.

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