Cebu has strong chance of hosting APEC

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu has a strong fighting chance to host the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in 2015 according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

This was confirmed by DFA spokesperson Asec. Raul Hernandez who was in Cebu yesterday to give a lecture-seminar before students of the University of San Carlos on the promotion of Philippine foreign policy.

“Cebu is a very beautiful place. You have adequate infrastructure here. I’m sure they will consider,” says Hernandez.

However, Hernandez pointed out that there is no confirmation yet of the provinces who will host the APEC. He further explained that as of today, the APEC National Organizing Council (NOC) is still screening all the provinces who bid for the event.

As far as accommodation is concerned, Cebu has a number of hotels. The province will also be upgrading the facilities in the Cebu International Convention Center. There might also be a possibility of a second runway in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport if congress will approve Rep. Raul del Mar’s proposal.

The APEC in 2015 will consist of sectoral ministerial meetings on education, energy, food security, small and medium scale industry, oceans, science and technology, transportation and women and the economy. An estimated number of about 24,000 participants from around Asia-Pacific will be attending the event. Among the world leaders who might be gracing the summit is United States of America president Barack Obama.

Cebu City Michael Rama confirmed in an earlier report that they have submitted all the necessary papers to the APEC NOC, including video clippings. Gordon Alan Joseph and the Mega Cebu project team gained positive feedback from the APEC NOC secretariat during their presentation.

 Cebu’s bid is in partnership with the province through Governor Junjun Davide and the Mayors of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay and Mandaue.

Joseph also said that if Cebu gets chosen, it will be a major shot for Cebu since the National Government will be investing a lot for the infrastructure needed to host the summit.

The APEC NOC is looking for host cities that have enough facilities and infrastructure such as airports, roads, hotels, and convention space, security and public safety. Disaster preparedness, power and water availability and medical services are also considered.

Apart from Cebu, other tourist destination provinces also bid for the APEC such as Tagaytay, Iloilo, Davao, Albay, Clark and Subic.

The APEC is a forum for 21-member economies that seek to promote free trade and economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  (FREEMAN)