Palace: PHL prepares for big events in 2015 before int’l community

The Philippines continues to prepare for at least two major events that will put international focus on the Philippines in 2015, Malacañang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippines will be in the international spotlight starting January with Pope Francis' visit.

"Sa [pag]bisita ng mahal na Santo Papa, security ang No. 1 consideration natin ... plus the Mass in Luneta, magkakaroon ng event sa Malacañang, may event sa Manila Cathedral at University of Santo Tomas," she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Pope Francis' visit on Jan. 15 to 19 comes 20 years after now-Saint John Paul II visited the country.

On the other hand, she said the Philippines continues preparations to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events that will culminate in the leaders' summit in November.

"Sa hosting sa APEC, sinisigurado natin maayos ang venue na pagdadausan natin lalo pagdating ng November, (where) we're expecting 10,000 visitors for APEC leaders' week in November," she said.

But she also noted there are also APEC-related events to be attended by 300 to 400 people. "Pinaghahandaan natin yan with equal fervor," she said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News