MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has suspended government work and public school classes in Metro Manila and Bulacan on Aug. 25 to support efforts aimed at ensuring the successful opening of this year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The suspension was made to extend the government’s “full support and assistance” to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in ensuring the safe, orderly and successful conduct of the opening ceremonies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, according to Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 27 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, by authority of Marcos, on Aug. 15.
The MC said that the suspension was also in line with the government’s commitment toward wider involvement and participation in sports promotion and development.
“However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities and/or the performance of other vital services shall continue with their operations and render the necessary services,” the circular added.sThe suspension of work and classes for private firms and schools was left to the discretion of their respective heads.
The opening ceremonies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Last March, Marcos formed an inter-agency task force that would coordinate all government efforts for the Philippines’ hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Created through Administrative Order No. 5, the task force was tasked to streamline, integrate, harmonize and coordinate all government efforts with the plans and programs of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in the preparation, organization and hosting of the tournament.
The SBP is the national sports association recognized by the FIBA as the body in charge of the promotion and development of basketball in the country.
“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 and the private sector,” the President said in the AO.
The task force is headed by the chairman of the PSC and the heads or designated representatives of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Health, the Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Tourism and Transportation; Bureaus of Customs and Immigration; Philippine National Police and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.