EDITORIAL - Let us be good and clean beneath our makeup

Jason Gutierrez of Agence France Presse, a member of a panel of reactors in an Asean-inspired forum sponsored by Veco during Cebu Press Freedom Week, had a very interesting insight for the local media.

Gutierrez, who is a veteran of many Asean Summits, said delegates, but most especially the heads of state, seldom recall what goes on in the official gatherings as most of their functions are ministerial and therefore almost perfunctory.

With everything prepared by ministers and other underlings, all these MIPs or "Most Important Persons" do at the summit is sign declarations and documents, say hi to one another and pose for pictures, said Gutierrez.

But what they really do remember are the sights and smells and tastes they are going to encounter during their visit, in the formal or informal gatherings and tours. In other words, what is most important is that they get to enjoy and be comfortable and safe during their stay.

And that is why we would like to point out that while it is essential to ensure that the venues for the different meetings do get ready on time and that the security for the event is in place, there is still a need to bring the Cebuanos in on the activity.

From what we know, there seems little or no earnest preparation among schools and even barangays to conduct awareness programs regarding the Asean among their respective students and constituencies.

The horde of foreign media alone that will be descending on Cebu for the summit is estimated to number at least 2,500. And that is just the media. Summit participants will have to include huge huge delegations from the 10 member countries and at least six dialogue partners.

The media will certainly go around and talk to ordinary people to get the feel and color of the place. So will many members of the delegations. The physical makeup we have done is good. But these people will try to peel that off and that is what we should really be ready for.