Clark ready to host 1,700 APEC delegates

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – Officials of the Fontana Leisure Parks here said yesterday they are now prepared to host some 1,700 delegates to the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit late this month.

Manuel Sequiera, Fontana chief executive officer, said they have reserved 131 villas for delegates to the event, which starts on Jan. 26.

“The newly built convention center is also ready to accommodate the expected 1,500 delegates who will hold daily meetings at the hotel,” Sequiera said.

He said preparations cover not only accommodations, but food, security and entertainment as well.

At least 1,700 delegates from 22 countries will meet at the free port from Jan. 26 to Feb. 10 to discuss economic policies and developments with focus on expanding economic benefits to all or most of the region’s three billion people.

“We have completed all 19 new villas and we are already in the process of finalizing the three-story villas we call ‘mansion.’ Landscaping of gardens, retrofitting and repainting of walls, ceilings and buildings were all finished. Maybe a few more polishing on some parts but we’re good to go,’’ Sequiera said.

“Our old convention center is there and has been repainted and reorganized; the new one is being finalized and will be ready for APEC. We will be hosting every day and we expect to serve around 1,700,” he said.

Sequiera also said security plans have been finalized, with CCTV cameras positioned in the hotel’s entrances and exits and in the VIP mansion.

“Security matters are closely coordinated with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and the national organizing committee,” he said.

Fontana recently purchased four new cars “to augment its existing 26 vehicles that will be used to transport tourists and delegates who may want to travel to nearby areas and even Metro Manila,” he said.

Staff training has likewise been completed in early December, Sequiera said. “They have been trained to identify languages and deal with their assigned delegates.”

Fontana “will introduce a new concept in the menu, which will assure fresh and hot dishes served on individual plates or on the buffet table,” he said.