The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is preparing a traffic management plan in connection with the country’s holding of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup beginning next month.
“Yesterday we had a coordination meeting related to the holding of the 2023 FIBA World Cup from August 25 to September 10. The possible implementation of a moratorium on road diggings and mall sales was discussed in our meeting,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
The MMDA is set to submit to the Department of Public Works and Highways a work plan that will identify the areas that need to undergo reblocking before the prestigious event can be held.
“Currently, the agency is drafting the traffic management plan for the 2023 FIBA World Cup and will present it to the FIBA-Local Organizing Committee,” the MMDA chief said.
Artes said the MMDA will also use its new Command Center in Pasig City where other FIBA officials and delegates can monitor situations related to the event.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from August 25 to September 10. The 32 participating teams will play in 92 games played over 16 days.
Organizers said it is all systems go in the Philippines for the event.
Traditionally, the MMDA implements the road digging moratorium and mall sales from November until January to provide relief to commuters and motorists during the Christmas season when traffic is expected to be heavy.
The agency implements a moratorium on road diggings, except for the government’s flagship projects, as part of the MMDA’s traffic mitigation measures for the holidays.
The measure covered any diggings in the road right-of-way, including passageways and sidewalks, within the cities or municipalities of Metro Manila for the installation, repair, or improvement of water pipes, telephone or telegraph wires or cable conduits, sewers and drainage systems, communication, and power line improvements being undertaken by any government agency, public and private contractors.
In 1978, the country also welcomed this major international competition, then known as the World Basketball Championship.
The Philippines is eager to showcase its love for the sport to the entire world by hosting this prestigious event once again. For the opening round, the Philippines was lined up in Group A of the World Cup along with Angola, Dominican Republic, and Italy.