MMDA suspends road works, mall-wide sales from Aug. 17-Sept. 10 for FIBA 2023

Road works and mall-wide sales are suspended in some areas from August 17 to September 10 as part of the preparations for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Wednesday.

In an advisory, the MMDA said the suspension will be effective midnight of August 17 (Thursday) up to midnight of September 10 (Sunday).

Reblocking, utility works, pipe laying, road upgrading, and excavation works are suspended in the following locations:

• EDSA Monumento to SM MOA
• Kalayaan Avenue, C5 Road to EDSA
• Along Diokno Boulevard
• P. Ocampo St., Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard
• Roxas Boulevard, NIA Road to UN Avenue
• Along Meralco Avenue
• Ortigas Avenue, EDSA to C5 Road
• EDSA North Avenue to Agham Road

Mall-wide sales will be prohibited in malls along EDSA and other areas affected by the FIBA event to ensure that affected roads will be passable, clean, and safe to all types of vehicles and pedestrians, the MMDA said.

“The memorandum circular, signed by MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, was issued to all concerned offices, Department of Public Works and Highways-NCR Engineering Districts, local government units, utility companies, contractors, and shopping mall operators,” the MMDA said.

FIBA 2023 will run from August 25 to September 10 and will be hosted by three nations in Asia: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

Games will be played in different areas in the Philippines, including Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Manila will specifically host participants from Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe with an expected total of 3,253 FIBA customer groups participating.

As early as June, the PNP said it has started its preparations for the security of the event. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News