Ilocos Norte hosts APEC meeting

By J. Michael Mugas

LAOAG CITY – Gov. Imee R. Marcos said the province’s is prepared to host Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technologies (EGNRET), a subcommittee of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) here April 12-17.

“As an emerging renewable energy capital in the country, we are proud that the province was chosen to host the meeting to be attended by experts, engineers, scientists from all over the world as well as local Filipino scientists who wish to see the operations of our windmills, the new solar plant and the rehabilitated hydro-plant here in Ilocos Norte,”  Marcos told a press conference.

With participants from 23 APEC member countries confirmed to attend the meeting, other delegates from 17 economies are expected to arrive in the province.

They will hold workshops on renewable energy with technical experts on bio-mass, bio-fuel, geothermal, solar, hydro, ocean and wind sectors. “As the country has been chosen to host the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November, this meeting in Ilocos Norte is important as it will set the tone for the entire summit,” Marcos said.

“The chairman of EGNRET will present results of this meeting to  senior officials of energy [of APEC] on October during the APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting which will be held in Cebu,” said Jhun Escobar of the Department of Energy.

Escobar said 15-20 Ilocanos from local government and various academes in the province can join the workshops.

Meanwhile, despite their hectic and loaded schedule, the provincial government guarantees that the delegates will experience the best of Ilocos Norte in terms of its tourism, culture and tradition,” Marcos said.

Marcos will host welcome dinner for delegates on April 13 in world-renowned Paoay Church or Malacañang of the North.

They will also witness a cultural presentation featuring the internationally-acclaimed Samiweng Singers and a Mini Tan-Ok ni Ilocano dance performance during the dinner.

A night tour will also be offered to the delegates who would want to explore the Ilocos Norte’s capital and other neighboring municipalities.

Marcos hopes that by hosting this meeting, Ilocos Norte will be included in the APEC map making the province a top venue for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.