Ilocos Norte ensures success in hosting APEC meeting

A kite surfer prepares to get into the water in Bangui bay, Ilocos Norte. (Alaric Yanos)

By John Michael Mugas

PGIN-CMO

laoag city—As the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) gears up for the influx of tourists for the summer season, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos kicked off the preparation to ensure success of the province’s hosting of the Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technologies (EGNRET), a subcommittee of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), set on April 12-17, 2015.

“As an emerging renewable energy capital in the country, we are proud that the province was chosen to host the meeting to be attended by experts, engineers, scientists from all over the world as well as local Filipino scientists who wish to see the operations of our windmills, the new solar plant and the rehabilitated hydro-plant here in Ilocos Norte,” said Ms. Marcos during a press conference.

With participants from 23 APEC member economies confirmed to attend the meeting, other delegates from 17 economies are expected to arrive in the province as they will lead the workshops on renewable energy (RE).

Technical experts or division chiefs of BIG SHOW (Bio mass, Bio fuel, Geothermal, Solar, Hydro, Ocean, Wind) sectors or Renewable Energy (RE) technologies will head the delegates.

As the country was chosen to host the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November, this meeting in Ilocos Norte is important as it will set the tone for the entire summit.

The Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte supplies the water used by the hydro plant. (Alaric Yanos)

“The chairman of EGNRET will present the results of this meeting to the senior officials of energy [of APEC] on October during the APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting which will be held in Cebu,” noted Gaspar G. Escobar Jr., National Renewable Energy Board -Technical Secretariat division chief of the Department of Energy.

Mr. Escobar added that at least 15-20 Ilocanos from the local government and various academes in the province can join the workshops.

Meanwhile, despite their hectic and loaded schedule, the provincial government guarantees that the delegates will experience the best of Ilocos Norte in terms of its tourism, culture and tradition.

“Governor Imee will organize a welcome dinner for the delegates on April 13 possibly in the world-renowned Paoay Church or Malacañang of the North. They will also witness a cultural presentation featuring the internationally-acclaimed Samiweng Singers and a Mini Tan-Ok ni Ilocano dance performance during the dinner,” revealed the Provincial Tourism Office.

A night tour will also be offered to the delegates who would want to explore the Ilocos Norte’s capital and other neighboring municipalities.

Governor Imee Marcos hopes that by hosting this meeting, Ilocos Norte will be included in the APEC map making the province a top venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibitions).

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