CLARKFIELD – Pampanga Govenor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda together with Vice Governor Dennis Pineda led the welcome banquet for the delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) at Oxford Hotel this Thursday.
Delegates from various parts of the world particularly, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealnad, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam were gathered at Clark for their First Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1).
In said event, the host province showcased its well-known Giant Lanterns, locally known as parul. The towering Kapampangan Christmas symbols, with average height of 15-20 feet and built with about seven kilometers of electric wires and 10,000 light bulbs, were met with admiration from foreign delegates witnessing the display for the first time.
The foreign delegates as well as guests from the local government of Central Luzon provinces also showed appreciation for the host province’s note-worthy hospitality as embodied by the Pampanga Capitol’s chiefs of offices and employees.
In her welcome address, Governor Pineda stressed the importance of cooperation among the member countries in paving the way for long term prosperity.
“I am optimistic that we can determine ways to harness and maximize the vast resources and favorable business environment not only of the Philippines but of all APEC member countries,” Pineda said.
By Angelique Tuazon
