Preview held of RP participation in 2010 World Expo in Shanghai

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism held a preview of the Philippine participation in the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China which will start on May 1.

The preview at the Coconut Palace last Thursday was attended by members of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC), major sponsors, and representatives from the media.

With the theme, “Better City, Better Life”, the 2010 World Expo is the first to be held in a developing country, the biggest in terms of the number of participants, and the longest in terms of duration. 

One hundred ninety two countries and 50 international organizations will set up their pavilions in the Expo which will run for six months.  Expo organizers expect at least 70 million visitors.

In his remarks, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Leslie Gatan expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for the Chinese government’s support for the country’s participation, including the selection of Vice President Noli De Castro and former Gawad Kalinga executive director Antonio Meloto as speakers in Expo-organized forums.

Gatan said the DFA has been in the forefront in preparing for the 35th anniversary of Philippines-China relations, including coordination with the Office of the President for President Arroyo’s participation at the Philippine Day scheduled on June 9, 2010 in Shanghai.

For his part, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, POC chair and commissioner general, stressed that Philippine participation is not only for tourism promotion but for the enhancement of trade and other relations with China as well.

With a solid and competent team, he expressed confidence that the Philippines will garner another gold prize in Expo Shanghai just as it did in Expos Aichi (2005) and Zaragoza (2008).  The team includes architect Ed Calma, curator Marian Roces, and the POC secretariat headed by PCVC executive director Daniel Corpuz, who also serves as POC Secretary General.

The POC is composed of heads of 16 government agencies and representatives from the private sector.  Aside from Durano, other POC officials include Ambassador Rosario Manalo, who serves as deputy commissioner general, and two deputy secretaries general namely, former tourism attaché Imelda Sarmiento and former PTA trustee Jose Capistrano, Jr.

The POC for the country’s participation at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai was created by President Arroyo by virtue of Administrative Order 246 signed on Dec. 1, 2008.