MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will host its first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 meeting, the Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) on Dec. 8 to 9 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. yesterday said the APEC ISOM will be held in Manila instead of Legazpi, Albay due to the expected arrival of Typhoon Ruby (international name Hagupit).
Ochoa said consultations were held with the APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, and other stakeholders.
The meeting is the inaugural assembly of APEC member-economies in the Philippines in line with its role as 2015 APEC chair.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the ISOM will introduce the Philippines’ APEC 2015 priorities which are designed to ensure continuity of past and ongoing work in APEC, promote balance of and relevance to each member-economy’s domestic and regional needs, and ensure sustainability of efforts in achieving APEC’s short, medium and long-term goals.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will secure the APEC meeting.
Meanwhile, the 500-strong police force of Angeles City in Pampanga will be on full alert to secure some 1,700 participants, including senior economic ministers, in the APEC conference here from Jan. 26 to Feb. 10, 2015. – With Non Alquitran, Ding Cervantes