GMA going to Shanghai for World Expo

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo is attending the Shanghai World Expo in China on June 8 and 9. 

It would be her first trip after winning the congressional race in the second district of Pampanga.

Malacañang officials said earlier that she would continue her regular duties as president for the remainder of her term.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano would most likely accompany Mrs. Arroyo to the expo.

Themed “Better City, Better Life,” the tourism expo promotes the benefits of having well-developed cities.

It encourages cultural diversity, technology, and interaction between urban and rural areas. It started last May 1 and would run until Oct. 31.

For the exhibition, 5.28 square kilometers around the Nanpu and Lupu bridges have been cordoned off.

The expo is expected to attract over 70 million guests and 200 exhibitors from around the world.

The Philippines is among the 42 Asian countries participating in the expo. The Department of Tourism has reserved a 1,880-square-meter space dedicated to Philippine culture.

“Our theme statement attempts to show how Filipino culture, artistry and music influence the design, planning, management and sustainability of our communities. It will be a multi-sensory display of our country’s values like bayanihan and our world-famous brand of hospitality,” Durano said.