As the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte gears up for the influx of foreign and local tourists here this summer season, Gov. Imee R. Marcos kicks off full preparation to ensure success of the province’s hosting of the international meeting of the Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technologies (EGNRET), a subcommittee of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), to be held on April 12-17, 2015 at Plaza del Norte hotel and convention center, Laoag City.
“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,” said Governor Marcos during a press conference.
“The chairman of EGNRET will present the results of this meeting to the 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 added that at least 15 or 20 representatives from the local government units and members of the academe in the province can join the workshops.
Meanwhile, despite hectic schedule this April, PGIN officials assured that the APEC delegates will experience the best of Ilocos Norte in terms of tourism, culture and tradition.
Governor Imee will host a welcome dinner for the delegates on April 13 either at the Paoay Church lawn garden or Malacañang of the North. A cultural presentation is also set featuring the internationally-acclaimed Samiweng Singers and a Mini Tan-ok ni Ilocano dance show during the dinner, the Provincial Tourism Office said.
A night tour will also be offered to the delegates who would want to explore the Ilocos Norte’s capital and neighboring municipalities.
The governor hopes that by hosting this meeting, Ilocos Norte will be included in the APEC map making the province a top venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, and Exhibitions).# (pgin-cmo)
