By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a showcase of his hands-on approach to ensure streamlined preparations for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Pasay City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducted an inspection and walkthrough of the venues that will be used during the three-day event.
He began with an inspection of the ASEAN International Media Center at the World Trade Center Metro Manila late Tuesday, followed by the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), which will serve as the main venue for the summit and related meetings.
Accompanying the President during the walkthrough were Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Lino Cayetano, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.
Earlier, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto also inspected the PICC and Coconut Palace to check the progress of preparations for the Summit.
Meanwhile, in a media briefing, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored the importance of hosting this regional gathering and its impact that will cut across several industries.
She expounded, “Partikular na makikinabang sa Summit ang negosyo, kalakalan, pamumuhunan, trabaho at maayos na suplay ng pagkain at enerhiya sa Pilipinas.
Maipapakita rin ng Pilipinas sa buong mundo ang “Pinoy hospitality” at ang sipag at malasakit ng mamamayang Pilipino na simbolo ng tagumpay ng ASEAN Summit.”
Peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment were cited as the three major priorities that the Philippines wishes to achieve in its dialogue with member states and other nations participating in the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
Usec. Castro concluded her statement by defending the clearing operations that were implemented as part of ensuring stringent security around the venues where the delegates will temporarily stay and where the Summit will be held from November 16-18. (with report from Kenneth Paciente | PTV News)
jpv
