TOKYO – Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez brought positive news yesterday to boost the Philippine bid for the hosting privilege of the 2019 FIBA World Cup as he announced President Aquino’s endorsement that is considered critical in the decision of which country will be awarded the rights.
Jimenez said he briefed the Chief Executive at Malacañang last Wednesday afternoon with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad and Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras. Jimenez submitted a briefer to the President and explained how the country may benefit from the project over a four-year period.
“The President is very judicious when it comes to government spending and this project involves a government guarantee,” said Jimenez. “He asked Secretary Purisima if it made financial sense and me if it made people sense. We both assured the President it would be a great project to undertake. Maybe, someday, we’ll get to host the Olympics but right now, we’ve got the chance to host the third biggest sporting event in the world after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. This isn’t an expense, this is an investment. We start promoting this event as soon as we are awarded the hosting rights. The mileage we are able to generate during the tournament itself is just a fraction of what we can gain over a four-year promotion period.”
Jimenez said what makes the Philippine bid special is the Filipino’s love for the game. “We don’t manufacture crowds, we don’t use regimented audiences,” he said. “We love the game with a passion. Even the President mentioned he’ll watch the games if and when we host the World Cup. He joked that since he won’t be the President anymore by that time, he won’t be criticized of being a jinx. But it was clear that the President himself is a huge basketball fan like we all are.” President Aquino attended the FIBA Asia final at the Mall of Asia Arena in 2013 and watched the gold medal game between the Philippines and Iran.
Jimenez will join SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan at the closed-door, question-and-answer session this afternoon. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Octagon Asia Pacific president Sean Nicholls will also be on the panel to be grilled by the FIBA Central Board before the deliberations leading to a secret ballot.
“If and when our bid is accepted, this will be a business deal,” said Jimenez. “Imagine the millions of eyeballs that will be focused on the Philippines for this event. Also, I understand the countries who want to compete at the Olympics will have to go through the World Cup so you can expect maximum and quality participation from 32 countries.”
Jimenez said it’s about time FIBA is provided a global platform “to get the world excited about the game.” “The bid isn’t about resources because if it is, then FIBA may be better off doing it in Europe again,” he said. “This is our chance to show the world how exciting the sport we love is. We want to promote the game and we know we can do the best job of doing it because we love basketball. Besides, we’ve got the capability to host an event of this magnitude. Whatever difficulties we have are
fixable, like improving our infrastructure and air connections. We’ve got geography, the warmth of a hospitable people and our ability to organize as our advantages.”
Jimenez arrived here yesterday with Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Domingo Enerio and Atty. Christer Gaudiano, Ren Sapitan and Edmon Loza of the Tourism Promotions Board.
The Philippine delegation rehearsed its 20-minute audio-visual presentation twice yesterday, 1 1/2 hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the afternoon. Another rehearsal for an hour is set this morning. Pangilinan will set the tone of the presentation with his opening remarks. Also speaking for the Philippines during the presentation are Chot Reyes, Jimmy Alapag and Fil-Am celebrity Lou Diamond Phillips.