PNoy inspects APEC venues, orders to fine-tune preparations

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday inspected the venues for the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Metro Manila.

In a text message, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino inspected the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila and the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Aquino also checked the Ninoy Aquino International Terminal 1, 2 and 3 where APEC delegates will arrive and depart.

The president also inspected the Kalayaan hangar area at the Villamor Air Base where the heads of states of the other 20 APEC member countries will arrive and depart.

"He gave instructions on further fine-tuning the preparations," Coloma said.

Aquino was accompanied by Cabinet members led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, the chairperson of the APEC National Organizing Council.

Metro Manila will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18 and 19.

Apart from the heads of states, the Philippines is expecting about 10,000 APEC delegates.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr., director general of the APEC National Organizing Council, said on Monday that the Philippines is 95 to 97 percent ready for next week's big event.

The 21 member economies of APEC are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, United States, Chinese Taipei, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russia and Vietnam.