SEVILLA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The Philippines had the support of a high-ranking official in their battle against Senegal as the country's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Albert del Rosario, was in the stands in Sevilla rooting for Gilas to finally get a victory at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

"I'm here to provide support to our country's team. Notwithstanding the fact that we have not been able to obtain the desired results, I think our team has done its best in every instance," said Mr del Rosario, who was sporting a white Gilas T-shirt.

We're very proud of them and we also want to thank them for representing our country with distinction - Mr del Rosario

Making their first appearance at FIBA's flagship since 1978, Philippines lost their first four games in Group B in Sevilla. But the team dropped those games by a combined 23 points, including an overtime loss to Croatia.

"I think the Philippines is looking at this team with great promise, that's done a lot to promote basketball even further. As you know, basketball is our national sport. I think we need something like this, the encouragement and the inspiration which this team has provided," said Mr del Rosario. 

The secretary, who talked with the Philippines players before the Senegal game, also spoke about the country possibly hosting the 2019 World Cup.

"I think that's a great opportunity for us to project our country as a promoter of this beautiful game," said the official.

FIBA