Gov’t spends P14.8 M for Noy’s US trip

MANILA, Philippines - The government has allotted P14.8 million for President Aquino’s four-day trip to the United States.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the amount covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of the President and members of his delegation.

“President Aquino will underscore the experience and successes of our country in implementing reforms and in dealing with the problem of corruption in government to political and business leaders in the US,” Ochoa said in a statement.

“He sees this visit to the US as an opportunity to push our agenda on trade, tourism, peace and security as well as further strengthen ties between our country and the US,” he added.

Aquino will address the climate summit organized by the United Nations and meet with business leaders to discuss the investment and tourism potential of the country.

“President Aquino will emphasize the need for world leaders to stand together to address climate change and its adverse effects on people and economies. The President is well aware of the impacts of climate change, especially to vulnerable developing counties like the Philippines,” Ochoa said.

A meeting with US Rep. Joseph Kennedy III and visit to the former residence of the Aquino family are also on the President’s agenda. He will be interviewed by Boston-based radio host Jeremy Hobson and deliver a policy speech at the Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University.

The President flew to Boston from Berlin on Sept. 20, ending his eight-day trip to Europe.

He will depart Boston for New York today where he will meet with the chief executive officer of the New York Stock Exchange and will have the opportunity to ring the New York Stock Exchange bell.

He will also sit down with members of the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-ASEAN Business Council for a business roundtable.