PH spends P24M for PNoy’s APEC, ASEAN meetings trip

SEND OFF. President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin before his departure for Beijing, China to attend the APEC CEO Summit 2014 22^nd APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) in Beijing and Yangi Lake, Peoples Republic of China and the 25^th ASEAN SUMMIT in Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Mayanmar on November 11 to 13. (Marcelino G. Pascua)

The Philippine government will spend around P24 million for Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s participation in two major regional conferences in China and Myanmar from November 10 to13, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Nov. 9.

The Chief Executive left on the morning Of Nov. 9 via a chartered flight to Beijing to attend the 22^nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. From China, President Aquino will proceed to Nay Pyi Taw to attend the 25th ASEAN Summit.

“While these meetings will further strengthen our regional relations and trade partnerships with our neighbors, it is also important to note that in this particular conference in Beijing, China is anticipated to turn over the APEC chairmanship to the Philippines as we host the APEC Summit next year,” Mr. Ochoa said.

In the two conferences, President Aquino will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda and Social Secretary Susan Arnaiz will also join the President in China, while Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. will be part of the delegation to Myanmar.

In Beijing, President Aquino will lead the dialogue on economic reforms during the APEC CEO Summit 2014 organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and discuss innovative development, economic reform and growth, and strengthening structural development in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

He is also set to meet with the APEC Business Advisory Council and other industry leaders to discuss disaster resilience, small and medium enterprises, financial inclusion and domestic governance, among others.

The APEC leaders are expected to adopt the 22^nd APEC Leaders’ Declaration on the conclusion of the conference on November 11.

In Nay Pyi Taw, President Aquino will be participating in meetings between ASEAN leaders and the United Nations, Japan, the United States and China, among others, as well as with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council.

He will also attend events for the launch of the ASEAN Communication Master Plan and the ASEAN Institute of Green Growth Economy.

The amount earmarked for the trip covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of the Chief Executive and his delegation. (MTE)

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