ASEAN Summit: For Better or For Worse?

Cebu, Philippines has been chosen to be the host of the 12^th ASEAN Summit that started last January 11 up to 15. The Cebu Government had been very busy preparing for this prestigious event. The Government made some improvements in Cebu. They had to import the best goods and services from the different countries. They spent lots of money to make this event and memorable and successful one. Does the ASEAN Summit made a positive effect on us, Filipinos, especially here in Cebu? In this, I would like to express my opinion on the pros and cons of the said event.

The ASEAN Summit was a gathering of the heads of the Southeast Asian Nations. It was of great honor for me, to welcome the leaders and the delegates of the said event. During the 5 days of conference, Cebu had its tight security over the whole place. Even though, bomb threats and terrorists surround the Philippines, this was not a hindrance to the meeting. After all the leaders flew safe to their respective countries, it will make Cebu a nice venue for international conferences because of its tight security and the warm welcome of the people. Because the ASEAN Summit was successful here, it made Cebu a “fragrant” place for foreign investors to have their businesses here. It opened Cebu to business opportunities.

The first schedule of the ASEAN Summit was December of last year. It was postponed due to security purposes. The government already confirmed that there will be a 4-day holiday throughout Cebu. Filipino workers who need money were affected this 4-day holiday. But since it was postponed, this made them glad but a frustration for the students who were supposed to have their early vacation.

Based on studies, it was estimated that at least 1 billion had been used during the ASEAN Summit. Quite a big amount isn’t it! It is very insulting to know that the Cebu Government had to import decorative lamps from other countries which cost thousands of pesos. Isn’t it insulting to know that our country has no such deco-lamps that we can be proud of? There are a lot of creative Filipino workers who can create better deco-lamps than what the government bought from other countries. In addition, flowers and plants were also imported. These were ordered last year that was supposed to be used during the first schedule of the event. Because there was no enough time, they only ordered flowers from Busay, Cebu.

The Cebu City International Convention (CCIC) is a result of a corrupt government, which was hurriedly constructed. Shangri-La Mactan would have been a very nice venue for their opening ceremony. Each food during the Gala Dinner was estimated to be millions of pesos. Just imagine, EACH FOOD!! These millions can help a lot of poor people throughout the Philippines. All these expenses were from the Filipino taxes that were supposed to be for social services that were unfortunately allocated to the ASEAN Summit.

I can say that during the ASEAN Summit, corruption was obvious. But even though we experienced crisis, we still welcome them with open arms hoping that their agenda will make the Filipino people’s lives improve.

I think the ASEAN Summit was worth spending for because these pacts they agreed on will be really implanted. Hoping to be really implemented!