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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines can hold its head up high even after it lost the bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Malacañang said on Saturday, August 8.
Palace Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr reiterated the statement in a radio interview on state-run Radyo ng Bayan, when asked whether the Philippines lost to China because of its lack of infrastructure.
Coloma said the Philippines’ official delegation did its best to present the country as a “worthy” host before the FIBA board in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, August 7.
“There’s no shame because other countries also know that we have the capability [to host the event],” he said.
Coloma added, “We put our best foot forward and we can hold our heads up high.”
He said that the government continues to work on turning the Philippines into a preferred destination for investors and tourists, and venue for international events.
Coloma said the government is pursuing various infrastructure projects, some under the Public-Private Partnership program (PPP), all over the country.
“We will come to a point when our facilities will be deemed as truly world-class, and we will become an even more enticing destination for investments, tourism, and other events,” he said.
The Philippines’ “passionate” bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup was not left unnoticed by the winner. Former NBA star Yao Ming, a member of the Chinese delegation that presented before the FIBA board, acknowledged the Philippine effort. (READ: Yao Ming: Philippines pushed China to its limits)
“We have to pay tribute to the Philippines delegation. Only opponents like them could really push us to our limits to test how capable we are. Even if we were opponents on this occasion, we still have a friendship with them,” Yao Ming said in a FIBA press statement.
China was declared the official host of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, winning with a 14-7 vote – a verdict that broke the hearts of Filipino netizens. (READ: #SugatangPUSO2019: Netizens heartbroken) – Rappler.com
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