APEC on my mind

There is an excited buzz as the country prepares to host the 2014 World Economic Forum (WEF) for East Asia in May and the year-long 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Both events will put the Philippines front and center on the world stage, in the spotlight, and at the same time under the microscope for world and business leaders and international media to see for themselves what is going on in the country, to validate the reforms we have put in place and to check out the progress we have achieved so far in terms of good governance, positive fiscal and industrial initiatives, and poverty alleviation.

At a meeting a few days ago that the APEC National Organizing Council and the Department of Tourism called to discuss the “softer” side of the hosting effort – i.e. culture, entertainment, cuisine, tokens, other collaterals – Sec. Mon Jimenez spoke of the “cumulative net impression” that we want the thousands of delegates and participants to all those meetings and forums to take away from their visit/s to the country, and this is that the Philippines is “one of the most progressive developing societies in the world,” with emphasis on “progressive.”

That sounds like a tall order, and it is, but Jimenez clarifies that it is not to say that “we have solved all of our problems” because obviously we haven’t; but if “they go away with the feeling that we’re on the right track, headed in the right direction,” then “we would have done our job.”

Ten sites have been identified to host the numerous APEC meetings (about 11 ministerial meetings, four senior officials’ meetings, meetings of CEOs and the APEC business advisory council, leading up to the Leaders’ Summit in November) – Metro Manila, Clark, Subic, Tagaytay, Albay, Boracay, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo and Davao – but NOC chair Bill Luz says these are conditioned on their complying with a checklist of requirements (adequate facilities for the meetings, security, etc.) and passing inspection.

Jimenez and Luz reiterated what President Aquino had said in announcing our hosting of APEC in 2015 – that it not merely mean throwing a good party, but in getting the country ready to host these big international events all efforts should redound to the betterment of the communities, so that the positives will continue long after the delegates have gone home, and the people will continue to enjoy the benefits of improved or new airports (that is, if the DOTC gets its act together and gets the airport projects finally moving), upgraded infrastructure and other facilities, more inclusive governance and growth.

Cookie Feria of the Palace protocol office suggested getting local governments and schools all over the country involved, which will be great as it will allow the people themselves to take ownership of the hosting effort and ensure that the benefits last beyond 2015, that all that money and effort were expended not just to put on a good show for our bisitas but, at the end of the day, to make lives better for you, for me, and for our people throughout the country.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about these things. Philippians 4:4-8