Marcos urges gov’t agencies to support PSC for ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 50th anniversary celebration

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. encouraged all government agencies to support the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as part of the preparations for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of “Thrilla in Manila,” scheduled from October 26 to 31.

“Thrilla in Manila” was held on October 1, 1975, at the Araneta Coliseum, where Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier for the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

In Memorandum Circular No. 99, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the match “was not only a legendary sports encounter but a cultural moment that placed the Philippines on the global stage in 1975.”

“All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all LGUs, non-government organizations, and the private sector, are hereby encouraged, to extend full support and assistance to PSC in the successful celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Thrilla in Manila,” the memorandum stated.

“The success of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Thrilla in Manila requires the active participation of all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the support of local government units (LGUs) and the private sector,” it added.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao previously said Marcos was 'interested' in the Thrilla anniversary events.

Melvin Jerusalem and Siyakholwa Kuse headline the main event of the Thrilla 50th anniversary on October 29 at the Big Dome.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News