Marcos in Cebu today for ABAC, National Museum events

CEBU, Philippines —  Fresh from his trip to Malaysia, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. is expected in Cebu City today for a twin event.

This is his first visit to Cebu this year.

The president will grace the third leg of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) at Nustar Convention Center to share his administration's vision and priorities for fostering economic growth and cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region.

The event will bring together prominent business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the APEC economies to address significant economic challenges and devise strategies for long-term sustainable growth and collaboration.

Hosted by APEC Business Advisory Council-Philippines, headed by businessman Sabin Aboitiz, the event is a convergence of over 200 delegates from 21 APEC economies.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to host such an important event where delegates can engage in fruitful discussions and come up with sound recommendations to drive economic growth and cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region,” said Aboitiz, who is also the Aboitiz Group President and CEO.

Apart from various discussions, the ABAC III will put a spotlight on the important role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the global economy. It will also focus on the ever-changing landscape of environment, social, and governance (ESG) investing.

National Museum

After the APEC event, the president will lead the inauguration of the National Museum Central Visayas Regional Museum (NM Cebu), which was previously the Malacañang sa Sugbo.

NM Cebu features exhibitions that capture the Cebuano spirit and heritage, including the island's rich and diverse biodiversity, geology, archaeological treasures, art, and ethnographic and maritime traditions.

The new museum also hosts a special exhibition featuring artworks from the Philippine Center in New York and will soon feature artworks by Cebu master Martino Abellana.

Aside from the five galleries, NM Cebu also boasts a lobby and reception hall featuring additional art by Cebuanos and featuring Cebuano culture and history, a terrace, a courtyard, and the NM's first-ever regional Museum Shop.

In 1910, Architect William Parsons designed and built the Customs (Aduana) Building right at the heart of Cebu City in the historic Plaza Independencia, near Fort San Pedro.

Built on reclaimed land, the building, which to this day offers stunning views of the Cebu City seaside, signified the city's move towards urbanization and modernity.

The Old Customs House served its purpose for 94 years and even survived the bombing of the Second World War.

In 2004, the Aduana was converted into the Malacañang sa Sugbo, which aimed to bring the national government closer to the Visayas.

However, the building was damaged by a 7.1-magnitude quake in 2013, prompting its closure.

In 2019, the Old Customs House was declared a National Cultural Treasure.

In December of the same year, the National Museum of the Philippines was given the right to convert it into the National Museum - Central Visayas Regional Museum (NM Cebu).

This coming August 1, 2023, NM Cebu will be partially opened to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9AM to 5PM, beginning on August 1. Admission will be free.

Aside from PBBM, some cabinet members are expected to join him in both events.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is also back after his obligations with the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and is ready to meet PBBM and the rest of the government officials and top business leaders here and abroad.

ABAC Meetings

Official partners for the ABAC III meetings are Philippine Airlines as the official airline carrier, Summit Drinking Water as the official drinking water ABAC III, Fili Hotel as the official residences for delegates and guests.

ABAC III is also sponsored by esteemed organizations, including Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower, Ayala Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Alliance Global, Ayala Corporation, International Container Terminal Services Inc.,

GoDigital Pilipinas, JG Summit, SM Investments Corporation, and UnionDigital.

In 1995, APEC Leaders established the ABAC which is tasked to provide a private sector perspective toward achieving free and open trade and investments in the Asia Pacific region (Bogor goals).

Every year, ABAC submits a Report to APEC Leaders which outlines key recommendations focused on regional economic integration. ABAC also engages with Ministers, especially those responsible for Trade, Finance, SME, Energy, Food Security, Health, and Women to address urgent challenges. Ehda M. Dagooc, GAN (FREEMAN)