Rama asks for everyone’s help in APEC preparations

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants everybody’s help in the preparation for Cebu’s possible hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting next year.

“We will have to prepare. Maong niingon ko that the more preparation that we have to do,” he said.

Rama said he welcomes the development that the province would be the possible venue for the event due to the danger brought by the activities of Mayon Volcano in Bicol.

The APEC meeting is scheduled to be held in Legazpi, Albay in 2015 but because of the imminent volcanic eruption the organizers has started preparing for an alternative venue.

Rama said the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu are among the few local government units that show the readiness to host the event.

“Opportunity na and circumstances is leading to the advantage of Cebu as an area where meetings will be held,” Rama said.

Rama said the City Council should also take part in the preparation regardless of political affiliation. He said that APEC-related projects should be expedited and everyone’s cooperation should be felt.

It was earlier reported that the city government in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 and Department of Tourism-7 have been implementing projects in preparation for the event.

DPWH-7 director Ador Canlas said the DOT-DPWH convergence covers APEC-related projects like the completion of the Mactan Circumferential Road, rehabilitation of Serging Osmeña Avenue, Naga-Carcar road widening, Cebu South Coastal roads, and some sections in Talisay, Sibonga, and Dumanjug.

Canlas said his office will implement rehabilitation of local roads especially those roads that would lead to tourist destinations.

The city government has already started to clear the sidewalks of illegal structures and road concreting.

Aside from APEC, the city is also hosting the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

Rama said the success of two international events will be attained with the help of everyone. (FREEMAN)