With less than a week before the opening tip of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup (FIBAWC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann reiterated his support for the country’s hosting and called on basketball-loving Filipinos to watch the games, especially Gilas Pilipinas matches, starting August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“As the games return to our home soil, this historic event will forever be etched in the chronicles of our basketball history. So, I invite our kababayans to watch the games, may it be live or online,” said Bachmann.

The sports agency chief also thanked the Office of the President for the declaration of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 27, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., suspending work in government offices and classes in public schools at all levels in Metro Manila and the Province of Bulacan on August 25.

“The PSC came out with this appeal to the Office of the Executive Secretary a few weeks back. We’re thankful that this was granted immediately to ensure the safe, orderly, and successful conduct of the opening ceremonies,” added Bachmann, who previously served as Operations Head of the country’s FIBA Local Organizing Committee (LOC) prior to his PSC chairmanship.

Opening rites of the FIBAWC, paired with the much anticipated first game of Gilas Pilipinas against Dominican Republic, will be held at the Philippine Arena, which houses a maximum seating capacity of 55,000.

Succeeding games will be at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City and the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

“We are optimistic that with the immense support from our national government and the PSC, many of our Filipino basketball fans will fill up the seats in every game and be part of history,” concluded Bachmann.