BASES Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Vince Dizon is convinced the BCDA and its subsidiary Clark Development Corp.’s hosting of the third window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers beginning tomorrow at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Clark brings hope to Filipinos amid the dreaded pandemic.
“After more than a year, we’re hosting an international event with six visiting countries who will pit their talents against our very own Gilas Pilipinas,” Dizon said in an online press conference last Sunday.
“Napaka-symbolic kasi sa dami ng hirap na naranasan natin at gaano kahilig ang mga Filipino sa basketball, just to see our team perform here at home against the top teams in Asia is really such a welcome sight and it gives us so much hope that we really are at the tail end of this really difficult time,” he added.
Dizon, also the deputy chief implementer of the country’s pandemic response, insisted they have more stringent health and safety protocols for the seven nations seeing action in the tilt.
“We had to follow the FIBA rules and the FIBA rules are more strict. The players were tested four times before they will start practicing and playing here and since there are less teams involved, we’re providing all our guests a one to one ratio for their rooms,” he said.
“Also, there’s a more strict coordination with police and the local government unit so that the guidelines will really be observed.”
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios thanked the BCDA and CDC for staying the course despite earlier postponements of the third window and added it is a big step in the country’s co-hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“We cannot overemphasize our gratitude for (BCDA and CDC’s) valuable support to make this event take place after a couple of earlier postponements because of the challenges of the pandemic. But through your kind and strong assistance, finally, we are here,” Barrios said.
“As far as this international event is concerned, this is only the first step towards our long journey to the 2023 World Cup that we are hosting.”
