APEC 1st meeting in PHL pushed despite typhoon “Ruby”

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the official launch of the APEC Logo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — The first Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 pushed through here despite Typhoon “Ruby” now batting Metro Manila and Calabarzon region.

The APEC-ISOM’s Symposium on APEC 2015 Priorities started Monday in Makati City wherein representatives from the 21 member-economies converged to tackle points of discussions for APEC Summit next year.

Among the topics being discussed by APEC officials in the first day of the symposium include 21st Century Megatrends and Challenges; Inclusive Growth Strategy for the APEC Region; Regional Economic Integration and the Multilateral Trading System; Regional Economic Integration and Inclusive Growth; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Inclusive Growth; Human Capital Development and Inclusive Growth; Sustainability and Resilience and Inclusive Growth; and Sustainability and Inclusive Growth — Food Security and the Blue Economy.

The first ISOM for APEC 2015 will continue on Tuesday (December 9) with senior officials’ consultative dialogues.

The said ISOM was initially scheduled in Legaspi, Albay. However, on December 3, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. announced that the meeting is transferred in Metro Manila due to the expected onslaught of Typhoon “Ruby” in Legaspi.

Despite being transferred in Metro Manila, the first ISOM for APEC 2015 still braces for Typhoon “Ruby” after Public Storm Warning Signal No. 2 was raised over the National Capital Rregion.