SBP ramps up preparations for 2023 FIBA World Cup hosting

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has completed the first few steps in ensuring a world-class and successful hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with Japan and Indonesia.

The local governing body said in a statement that the Strategic Planning Session of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has been finished during a day-and-a-half planning session held last weekend at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas.

SBP executives in chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, president Al Panlilio, executive director Sonny Barrios, executive advisor to the President Ricky Vargas, and special assistant to the president coach Ryan Gregorio attended the said event.

The planning session is a crucial piece to the success of World Cup hosting as it was important for all the LOC members to be on the same page. Panlilio added the task may be daunting but everyone is ready to step up to the challenge.

"Having this session helped us in creating concrete plans and contingencies for our hosting of the World Cup," said Panlilio in a press release. "It also showed how committed we are in not only giving a good show to the world but also be gracious hosts to our visitors."

Vargas, for his part, stressed the need for the entire complement to develop chemistry in the execution and implementation of the Master Plan, equating chemistry to the popular Filipino concept of "bayanihan."

"This hosting is not just the SBP's as each and every Filipino is part of this hosting," said Vargas. "We are hoping that during the buildup to the World Cup, each and every Filipino joins hands in welcoming our guests and to help us showcase the value of 'Bayanihan' to the world."

Pangilinan said the objective is to prove that the Filipinos can host a world-class event that will go beyond FIBA's standards and expectations.

"The FIBA World Cup is not just any other event as this is the biggest tournament in World Basketball. We will be exhausting all our efforts and resources to prove to the world that the Philippines can organize and host the world's biggest sporting events," said Pangilinan.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be held in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 10 to September 25 next year.

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News