Philippines '97% ready' for APEC 2015
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is ready for hosting the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next week, the National Organizing Council (NOC) said on Thursday.
"I think we are 95 to 97 percent ready for APEC. We are just fine-tuning some of the details," NOC Director General Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. said in a press briefing.
Paynor said the security of the leaders has been the greatest challenge in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this year.
A total of 19 heads of state, including President Benigno Aquino III, and two leaders of economies will attend the summit in Manila from November 18 to 19.
The Presidential Security Group will take charge in securing the world leaders who will be attending the APEC summit in the country. Over 7,000 delegates are expected to attend the event.
READ: Meet the VIPs who will attend APEC in Manila
Paynor noted that the nature of world security has changed since the "9/11" terrorist attack in the United States back in 2001.
The normal police force of the National Capital Region have been stretched for the upcoming meeting of world leaders in the country, Paynor said.
"We brought in augmentations from other regions," the ambassador said.
Paynor assured that Aquino is "on top of everything" and directed the organizing council to ensure that the country's hosting will be a success from all points of view.
Malacañang earlier said that the president wants a “flawless and seamless” APEC summit next week.
- Latest
- Trending
