President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Palace asked the residents of Metro Manila to go on vacation and seize the long break of students to decongest the metropolis during the country’s hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit next month.
Malacanang has declared November 18 and 19, 2015 as non-working holidays in the National Capital Region due to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which is being hosted by the Philippines this year.
“Let us take advantage. Medyo matagal-tagal ‘yung bakasyon ng ating mga estudyante, ng ating mga anak, para naman maging maayos ang hosting natin ng pinakamalaking meeting, ang APEC (Leaders’) Summit,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview on Saturday.
“Apart from our very own president, may 20 other member economy leaders pa ang darating sa bansa,” she told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan.
“At sinisigurado naman natin na magiging maayos at matiwasay ang kanilang pagbisita, ‘yun nga lang po humihingi kami ng inyong kooperasyon at pag-intindi, dahil marami tayong ilalatag na security measures.”
Metro Manila residents could take advantage of the long vacation to visit places outside the Metropolis.
The people could opt to visit the beautiful tourist spots outside of the national capital region or they can stay at home to avoid places where there are security preparations for the upcoming APEC summit, Valte said.
“Again, humihingi po kami ng inyong pang-unawa at ng inyong kooperasyon. Ilalabas na natin ang mga lugar na maaapektuhan po dahil doon sa pagho-host natin ng APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.”
APEC delegates and senior officials are in the final stages of their talks here in country, ironing up issues that will be presented to the APEC economic leaders this November. (MNS)