MALL and shopping center operators have agreed with the proposal of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to tentatively close shop as the country hosts the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Aug. 17 to Sept. 10.
The MMDA made the proposal as part of its overall traffic management plan to ease traffic flow in Metro Manila during the FIBA games.
“The postponement of mall sales is for the smooth flow of traffic on EDSA where FIBA delegates and players will pass to the playing venues,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.
The mall operators agreed to be cooperate with the agency’s request.
“This will help to prevent people from flocking to the malls during FIBA and avoid the heavy flow of traffic on EDSA,” Artes said.
The MMDA was also considering implementing a moratorium on road diggings along EDSA during the same period to further ease the flow of traffic.
At present, the Department of Public Works and Highways – National Capital Region Office is conducting road repairs and reblocking on the stretch of EDSA Bus Way from Gil Puyat Ave. in Makati City to Munoz St. in Quezon City. The non-stop and week-long road works will be made starting 10 p.m. Friday (Aug. 4) until 5 a.m. Aug. 9.
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 implement 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 passage ways 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.
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 Sept. 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.
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.
The basketball team of the Philippines was lined up in Group A to start things off in the World Cup along with Angola, Dominican
Republic, and Italy.