Busy sked for Noy at Davos forum

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has at least 10 engagements when he attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland this week – the first time he is attending the international gathering since he assumed office in June 2010.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that aside from those engagements, Aquino may have “pull aside” or “small chat” meetings with world and business leaders.

“The 10 events consist of events that are sponsored by the WEF itself, while the others are hosted by private companies and other global economic leaders who will be meeting with the President,” Valte said over state-run dzRB radio yesterday.

Aquino may also have more engagements during “informal gatherings,” Valte said.

Over the weekend, Valte also disclosed Aquino will showcase the successes of what his government of nearly three years has achieved, particularly on the campaign against corruption.

Valte said Aquino would deliver on Jan. 24 the keynote address in the anti-corruption forum on the sidelines of the Davos meeting.

Aquino is to speak on “Partnering Against Corruption Initiative” at the WEF, where he is expected to share anti-corruption measures.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras earlier confirmed the President’s attendance at the WEF, which extended an invitation.

“The international community is very happy with what he’s done,” Almendras told ANC.

“Great, successful businessmen all over the world are interested in meeting President Aquino. There’s a lot of infrastructure going on. You have expressways and elevated highways, bus terminals kicking off this year,” he said. “This year, we’re going to create a roadmap to 2016.”

Almendras used to head the Department of Energy until his transfer to Malacañang in mid-2012.

Aquino will be in Davos on Jan. 24-25 for the WEF, which holds an annual meeting that remains the foremost creative force for engaging leaders in collaborative activities focused on shaping the global, regional and industry agendas.

Aquino will also meet with the Filipino community in Zurich on Jan. 26, before he leaves for Manila later that day.

The WEF is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.