DILG chief wants Plan B for IEC Youth Day venue

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandani Bay in Mandaue City is safe and secure for the Youth Day activities on Thursday but may not be the most ideal considering its vulnerability to weather changes.

This was the assessment of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Sarmiento after inspecting the venue yesterday. He recommended that organizers consider a Plan B.

The Youth Day is part of the weeklong activities of the ongoing International Eucharistic Congress.

“If magvi-vigil dun tapos maulan, hindi ideal yung lugar. Mahirap naman kung ma-expose natin ang mga participants o ang kabataan sa ulan. Ang forecast hanggang Thursday yata ang ulan so the organizers should look into that,” Sarmiento said.

Aside from Mandani Bay, Sarmiento also inspected the IEC Pavilion and the San Pedro Calungsod templete at the South Road Properties where the closing Mass for the IEC will be celebrated.

He said no less than President Benigno Aquino III sent him here.

“I see handang-handa ang government and organizers. Ito kasi ang bunga kapag nagtutulungan ang private sectors and the government. In this big event, we need security for all,” he said.

He said Cebu’s experience in hosting ministerial meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit last year should be a big help in preparing for the IEC.

As the congress progresses, Sarmiento appealed that the public be more considerate and understanding, especially that several roads would have to be closed to ensure the security of the delegates.

“Gusto lang natin is tulungan ang bawat isa kasi di ito kakayanin ng PNP lang. We need cooperation to ensure the success of IEC,” Sarmiento said. – (FREEMAN)