MMDA 'all set' to handle FIBA World Cup 2023 traffic —official

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said it has prepared for the possible heavy traffic for the opening of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup 2023 in Bulacan.

Interviewed on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office - Enforcement head  Vic Nuñez was asked about the expected time when heavy traffic will build up due to the event.

“Lahat naman po ng delegates, VIPs, FIBA officials that will be going to the venues especially po sa Philippine Arena sa Bulacan, lahat naman po ito ay napaghandaan na namin,” he said.

(All delegates, VIPs, and FIBA officials who will be going to the venues, especially in the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, we have prepared for all of this.)

He added that some of the delegates, VIPs, and FIBA officials will use a VIP lane going to the venue.

He also said that the suspension of government work in the National Capital Region and Bulacan on Friday will help ease traffic congestion.

Around 1,300 MMDA personnel are deployed for FIBA 2023, according to Nuñez.

The MMDA earlier announced that it will implement a stop-and-go traffic scheme and truck ban in some concerned areas as part of its traffic management.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that the security measures for the event are already “locked in” after a conference with concerned government agencies and stakeholders.

The PNP said 2,589 personnel from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and 363 officers from Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) will be deployed.

A total of 2,904 personnel from other government agencies and force multipliers will also help secure the basketball event.

The PNP said it is expecting 3,000 participants in the event, including FIBA members, World Congress attendees, local organizers, government officials, media, and foreign embassy representatives.

Around 2,000 guests are also expected to  arrive from other countries for the event, the PNP said.

FIBA 2023 will be held from August 25 to September 10. Three Asian countries will host FIBA 2023: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.

The Philippines will specifically host participants from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, with an expected total of 3,253 FIBA customer groups participating.

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

The opening ceremony and the opening games between Angola and Italy, and Philippines and the Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena in Sta Maria, Bulacan will kick off the tournament. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News