Monday, December 22, 2008 Arroyo releases P246M for RP's Expo
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered Sunday the release of an initial P246 million to cover the preparations of the Philippines for the 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai, China which aims to boost the tourism and trade sectors in the country.
Arroyo also created a 16-man Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) chaired by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to oversee the preparations and participation of the country in the event.
The President stressed that the Expo would help promote the country and sustain its presence in the global market.
"The Philippine participation in Expo 2010 provides an excellent opportunity to present, demonstrate and showcase to a wide audience across the world its culture and nature, its history and people, its economy and technology; and how these aspects of human society interact or co-exist with each other in the process of urbanization, and social economic development," she said.
She added that aside from the trade and tourism benefits, "the goodwill that will be generated from participating in the Expo 2010 will also enhance the efforts of both the government and private sectors in addressing various issues concerning modern approaches to sustainable urban development that would ensure a viable future for the society and humankind in general."
To ensure the country's participation, Arroyo created the POC with the tourism secretary as chairman and commissioner general and the foreign affairs secretary as vice chairman.
Also included in the POC are the executive secretary; secretaries of the trade, environment, budget, science and technology, and public works departments; and the general managers of the Philippine Tourism Authority and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
The POC also consists of the chairpersons of the Housing and Urban development Coordinating Council, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and National Commission for Culture and the Arts; the director general of the Philippine Information Agency; and a private sector representative.
It is tasked to formulate and implement a work plan and budget to cover the Expo and monitor and oversee the implementation of related activities, act as a coordinating body between the government and private sector and ensure that benefits of the Philippine's participation in the Expo is maximized.
It shall also formulate the theme and message of the Philippines in line with its participation and the theme of the Expo 2010 "Better City, Better Life;" ensure the safety and protection of Philippine participants, properties, and exhibit materials; accept or receive sponsorship and gratuitous title of funds and materials; and undertake all other measures to ensure the success of the country's participation.
The P246-million fund will be sourced from the DOT (P150 million), Pagcor (P50 million), Department of Foreign Affairs (P20 million), Department of Trade and Industry (P10 million), MIAA (P5 million), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (P5 million), MMDA (P5 million), and Department of Science and Technology (P1 million).
Proceeds from sponsorships, registration and participation fee of the exhibitors at the Philippine Pavilion and merchandising activities and proceeds from savings, income generated from commercial activities and donations or grants accruing from the Philippines' participation in the Expo Zaragoza 2008 could also be tapped in preparation for the next expo and the use of the POC.
Possible savings to be generated from the operations and income generated from the event, at the end of the 2010 Expo, shall be held in trust by the POC as standby fund for future use or Expo.
The Expo is set to take place from May 1 to October 31, 2010 with 177 countries and 44 international organizations already committed to participate. (JMR/Sunnex)
