By Leslie Gatpolintan
November 10, 2017
MANILA -- The Philippines expects a renewed boost in
business confidence that will benefit more Filipinos, as it hosts the 31st
Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits this
week.
This optimism was expressed by Atty. Michel Kristian
Ablan, Asst. Secretary for Policy and Legislative Affairs of Presidential
Communications Operations Office (PCOO), which has been active in promoting
ASEAN awareness to a broader audience during the country’s chairmanship this
year.
“With the 31st ASEAN Summit, we all feel that because
it runs smoothly, this will boost business confidence in the country, as well
as boost confidence in the security area in the region,” Ablan said in an
interview Friday.
Ablan noted that this is the third time the PCOO
organized a large gathering following the 30th ASEAN Summit last April, and the
celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN last September and November.
“We are confident that this will surely reaffirm our
commitment towards our global partners, and bring in projects and establish
agreements that would benefit people from all walks of life,” he said in a
briefing.
Ablan also cited various efforts of the PCOO team to
inform the public of “what ASEAN is and its benefits to the ordinary Filipino.”
These include initiating multi-sectoral forums and
dialogues, and hosting a multimedia campaign for the 31st ASEAN Summit “One
ASEAN, a Global Player” highlighting the regional bloc's readiness to play a
greater role in world affairs.
“A stronger and more united ASEAN, the region is now
committed more than ever to engage the world and seize opportunities that our
future holds for us. We are confident that the succeeding meetings this week
will cement the achievements of the Philippines’ Chairmanship for the years to
come,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ablan also assured the public that
appropriate measures are ready to ensure the safety and security of all the
state leaders, the delegates and the media participating in the summit.
