Basketball-crazy Philippines can watch the 2023 World Cup games at the MOA Arena. Traffic is to be expected and the MMDA is not taking any chances. From August 17 to September 10, the agency has coordinated with other government agencies and shopping malls along EDSA and around the Arena to hold off from conducting roadworks and mall-wide sales during the said dates.
Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority
According to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the agency conducted a dialogue with malls and shopping centers along EDSA and other areas leading up to the MOA Arena. For the duration of the FIBA World Cup games, the agency has asked that mall sales be postponed until after September 10.
Artes likewise confirmed that the malls and operators have agreed to their request and are grateful that they can manage the traffic flow along routes that FIBA delegates and players will take much easier without the added vehicular volume of shoppers wanting to get their purchases on sale.
Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority
In line with the same intention of minimizing traffic, roadworks including reblocking, utility works, pipe laying, road upgrading, and excavation works have also been temporarily suspended for the FIBA World Cup’s duration. From August 17, Thursday, to September 10, Sunday, the MMDA emphasizes that no such works are permitted in the following areas/locations:
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
Photo: Don Artes
That said, we wish Gilas Pilipinas good luck in their FIBA World Cup 2023 campaign! And for all of us who support Gilas and the game of basketball in general, at least there won’t be any “added” traffic jams if we want to go and watch the games live, right? Right!
