20 leaders confirmed for APEC summit

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Twenty leaders confirmed, except for China, their attendance in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit from Nov. 18 to 19 in Manila.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the country’s preparations were no different from the previous APEC hosts.

According to Valte, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be open on Nov. 18 because the leaders and delegates will arrive in the country, while no-fly zone policy will be enforced on Nov. 17, 19, and 20.

Commercial airlines should make best arrangements and passengers should plan their trips ahead and carefully to avoid inconvenience.

Those who will be affected by road closures should take alternative routes identified by the Metro Manila Development Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways.

“We understand that, yes, there will be complaints; yes, there will be negative reactions, but we know that it’s part of what we must do,” Valte said in a report by The Philippine Star.

The Philippines last hosted the summit in 1996, Valte said it is good to showcase the current situation of the Philippines and noted that it’s different about hearing about the country about the news than being here in person.

Valte also added that protest actions are only allowed in designated areas and the organizers assured there will be efficient internet service.

APEC PREPARATIONS

Malacañang said the APEC summit is not an “overkill” and pointed out that being host of the event will showcase the economic progress of the Philippines.

Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said the summit will put the Philippines in the international spotlight, and that APEC had always been a non-political meeting and initiatives that would be agreed by the leaders that could help sustain the country’s economic growth.

This year’s theme of APEC “Building Inclusive Economies, Building A Better World” will focus on inclusive growth with priorities such as investing in human capital development, fostering small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) participation in regional and global markets, building sustainable and resilient communities amid disasters and enhancing regional economic integration agenda.

The APEC will be held mostly in Makati City and Manila, and from 8,000 to 10,000 delegates from 21 member-economies are expected to arrive in the country.