On April 25-27 Bohol to host 3 ASEAN meetings

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines - Bohol province will play host to three high-profile gatherings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the posh Bohol Beach Club in Panglao town from April 25 to 29.

These conferences are of the 21st ASEAN Transport Facilitation Working Group, the 9th Forum on the Operationalization of ASEAN Transportation Facilitation Agreements and the 3rd Transit Transport Coordination Board.

Josephine Cabarrus, Bohol provincial tourism officer, said there would be at least 100 diplomats and other VIPs from ASEAN member-countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei Darrusalam and Cambodia and host country, Republic of the Philippines.

Tourism regional director Rowena Lu Montecillo earlier informed Governor Edgar Chatto of these events, and requested the province's support "by way of being our partner in welcoming the arriving delegates."

Cabarrus told The FREEMAN these gatherings are important for Bohol since they help boost the province's tourism. The delegates will not only be treated at the BBC but also in other come-ons to savor the hospitality and cultures of the Boholano people, she said.— Ric V. Obedencio

The provincial government will also host a welcome dinner for the visiting ASEAN delegates while entertainment will be provided by songs and the performing arts of the Boholanos, said Cabarrus.