Aquino wants review of plans for Apec meet

DOUBLE-CHECKING Not leaving anything to chance, President Aquino conducts an inspection of the PICC among 4 other venues of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) to ensure a seamless flow of events for the economic leaders’ meeting next week. Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson joined Mr.Aquino’s review of Apec preparations on Wednesday. MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

Review, fine-tune, repeat.

This was President Aquino’s directive a week before 20 heads of state arrive in Manila for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit.

“In general, he said it would be well for all to review all salient aspects of preparations and continually fine-tune and improve these to ensure flawless and seamless flow of events during the economic leaders’ meeting next week,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Wednesday.

Mr. Aquino gave the order after inspecting the different Apec venues in Metro Manila Wednesday afternoon—the main meeting hall at the Philippine International Convention Center, Mall of Asia Arena and the terminal buildings in Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

He also went to the Kalayaan hangar area at Villamor Air Base where Air Force One carrying US President Barack Obama is expected to land.

The President was accompanied by Cabinet secretaries led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa who is the chair of the Apec national organizing committee.

Marciano Paynor Jr., the committee’s director general, said on Monday that ensuring the security of the leaders and the delegates was the government’s biggest challenge.

The stringent security measures are an inconvenience to the public, especially with the road closures and traffic rerouting, but Paynor appealed for the people’s support, cooperation and understanding.

Apec member-economies take turn hosting the summit in alphabetical order. The Philippines last hosted the event in November 1996 at Subic Bay Freeport. Nikko Dizon