A TEAM from the Asia Pacific Economic Council (Apec) organizing committee was impressed with the preparation made by the Iloilo City Government for the 2015 Apec meeting, said City tourism officer Ben Jimena.
A meeting with the local organizing committee was held Wednesday, February 19, at the Nelly’s Garden in Jaro district to present and evaluate the local preparation.
Jimena said the inspection team was impressed with the Iloilo Convention Center being constructed at the Megaworld property at the old Iloilo airport in Mandurriao district.
One of the concerns being raised during the meeting was the expansion and renovation of the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon earlier said that the local airport will be expanded with modern facilities, including closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also assured budget for the Iloilo airport’s improvement to be completed before the October APEC conference, including the improvement of city plazas and parks.
Among the local concerns discussed were the conference facilities, hotel accommodation for some 1,000 delegates, infrastructures, road network from the Iloilo airport to the venue site, security, evacuation plan and disaster preparedness, and tourism attractions, among others.
Meanwhile, Megaworld also offered its newly-constructed Richmonde Hotel and another hotel, Marriot Courtyard, to accommodate the delegates from 21 countries.
Iloilo City has bid out to host some meetings of APEC in October 2015 and initially, the committees on Transportation and Food Security were temporarily assigned to the city.