It’s all systems go for 22nd Ad Congress

NAGA CITY—Despite the rains, local government executives here have begun welcoming the delegates to the 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC) that is being held for the first time in the Bicol region. The event will run from November 16 to 19.

Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte said “the casualness of the world-class CamSur Watersports Complex,” the venue for the biggest advertising event in the country, will be a “game changer,” in keeping with its theme.

“It’s an opportunity to prove we can host big important events like this based on our brand, which changed our province from an obscure poor one to a top tourist destination.”

The governor said all systems were in place and the province was ready to host the four-day event that has for its theme “Change the Game.”

Naga Mayor John Bonggat said the city government shared the responsibility for ensuring the 4,000 expected delegates would be safe.

Senior Superintendent Procopio Lipana, police provincial director of Camarines Sur, said an additional 100 policemen were deployed to provide security.

He said information booths had been set up along the highway from Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, to the boundary of Albay province to assist the visitors.

Naga Airport Manager Monico Basallote said that beginning Monday, the number of flights to the airport had increased from five to six a day to 10-12.

“We are ready as we can ever be. We’ve pulled out all the stops and worked hard to make sure this year’s AdCongress would be very successful and give the delegates a great time,” said Villafuerte.

Acknowledged “game changers” in their respective fields will share with the delegates their experiences, emerging trends and prospects for the intertwined worlds of media, marketing and advertising.

Among the Philippine media titans who would be addressing the delegates are ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, GMA Network Inc. chairman and chief executive Felipe L. Gozon, and ABC-TV5 chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, formerly a top advertising man, will deliver the keynote address.

Villafuerte said a 5,750-square-meter plenary hall and a 3,750-square-meter exhibition hall were built in time for the congress.