Giant lanterns light the venue during the cultural night of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Senior Officials’ Meeting in Clark, Pampanga. Photo by Nestor Corrales/INQUIRER.net
CLARK FREEPORT Zone, Philippines—The delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) 2015 Senior Officials meeting took a break from their packed schedules Friday to get a taste of Filipino culture through the arts and dining.
After the first day of the Senior Officials’ Meeting at the Fontana Convention Hall in Clark, Pampanga, the senior officials including international and local media graced the cultural night, which showcased various Filipino talents and traditions.
In his opening remark, Foreign Affairs undersecretary Laura Del Rosario, traced her roots in Pampanga and described the rich cultural heritage of Pampanga.
Del Rosario said that Clark, a former military base turned industry hub, has been a great contributor to the economic growth of the Philippines.
During the cultural night, delegates were serenaded with Filipino songs and cultural presentations including performances from the indigenous Aeta community.
Giant lanterns lit the venue as the delegates were served with sumptuous Filipino food including Pampanga’s best delicacies.
Aside from Clark, other key cities and places in the Philippines will host Apec events, namely Boracay, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao.
In a press briefing on Friday, Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said the Apec events being held in different places in the country “spur and empower local economies” to be centers for development.
“By hosting the Apec in various provinces, we highlight local communities to spur economic growth and promote tourism,” Jose said.
Since January 26, the various technical groups, committees and senior officials of the 21-member economies of Apec have met to discuss initiatives, policies and capacity-building that advances Apec’s objectives.
The Apec Senior Officials’ Meeting is being held at the Clark and Subic Freeport zones from Jan. 26 to Feb. 7.
Apec has 21 member economies, namely Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam
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