Inaugural APEC 2015 Philippines Meeting Shifts to Manila

Typhoon Hagupit Shifts Inaugural APEC 2015 Philippines Meeting to Manila

Issued by the APEC Secretariat

Manila, The Philippines, 4 December 2014 – After consultation with the APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and other stakeholders, the Executive Secretary of the Philippines has announced that the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting on 8-9 December 2014 will be held in Manila instead of Legazpi, Albay due to the expected arrival of Typhoon Hagupit (Philippine name: Ruby). Legazpi is likewise slated to host other APEC-related meetings during the hosting year in 2015.

“While this is highly unfortunate, we have deemed it best to err on the side of prudence and ensure the safety of the delegates,” said Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. in a press statement on Wednesday evening.

“Likewise, it will afford the local government to focus on the necessary actions to be taken in light of the coming typhoon,” he added.

The APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting will proceed as scheduled at alternative venues. The meeting, also known as ISOM, is the inaugural assembly of APEC member economies in the Philippines as a part of its role as 2015 APEC Chair.

“I wish to assure everyone that contingencies are in place,” Executive Secretary Ochoa said. “The government is ensuring that the rest of the activities push through, and is making preparations for the coming typhoon.”

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura Q. Del Rosario, who is the Chair of the 2015 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting, advised delegates that a revised Administrative Circular will be issued as soon as all the details are finalized.

“We thank Governor Salceda and the people of Albay for their cooperation and understanding,” concluded Executive Secretary Ochoa. “We are united in ensuring the safety and comfort of all delegates; we are likewise conscious of our abiding obligation to ensure that all steps are taken to prepare for the typhoon.”

ENDS

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