Conferences and meeting can be “more fun in the Philippines.”
This is what Malacañang is hoping for the international delegates of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (Apec) to realize when the second part of the summit’s Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) and the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting starts next week in Boracay.
In a press briefing on Friday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said preparations, most of which concern infrastructure, were on track for the series of meetings that would run from May 10 to 21 and May 23 to 24.
“Also, it’s Visit the Philippines Year, so hopefully the Apec meetings would be a good opportunity for our delegates from fellow member economies to see what it is really to be outside of Manila,” she said.
Valte added that preparations such as airport and road improvements are not only for the expected 1,500 delegates of the 21-member economies, but also for the benefit of the visitors that flock to Boracay every year.
“We have been working with the LGUs to make sure that venues are prepared, that any road rehabilitation would be done before the meetings—before our delegates arrive,” she said.
The number of delegates who will attend the second SOM is said to be twice as many as the attendance during the first leg held in Clark, Pampanga on February.
● Apec 2015 senior officials meet kicks off in Clark
The second SOM series of meetings will continue the discussions and build on the plans tackled during the informal SOM held in Makati last December, and the first official meeting in Clark.
Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the delegates would also present new measures to “reinforce work” on the Apec goals this year, which include regional economic integration, participation in regional and global markets, investment in human resource development, and building sustainable and resilient communities.
“Beyond the conference, the Philippines as the Apec 2015 chair and host, will treat delegates to a relaxed gala dinner on the white powdery sand against the backdrop of the Boracay sunset. Local island flavors will be featured at the dinner, while mythical creatures from Philippine folklore will be the theme of the cultural presentation,” Jose added.