Foreign guests on Green Industry confab to visit Subic, Clark

Foreign delegates of the three-day International Conference on Green Industry in Asia (ICGIA) will visit Subic Bay and Clark Freeport Zones showcasing how industry and nature are coexisting in these premier economic zones.

But unlike any other regular international conference, the ICGIA is security demanding as some 4,200 policemen will be tapped to protect local and foreign delegates at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) starting Wednesday.

A total of 1,200 expected local and foreign participants are expected to attend the event.

“This international event hosted by the Philippines is another shining moment for the PNP and a great opportunity for the country to open its doors to the international community of nations,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said.

President Arroyo will be the keynote speaker when the conference ends on September 11.

“With the PNP’s experience in handling security operations in past international events, we are optimistic this ICGIA Conference will be similarly successful,” Verzosa added.

The highlight of the conference will be the adoption of the ICGIA of the Manila Declaration, a plan of action that will feature a mechanism for the regular review of progress towards the conference’s goals.

The participants include government ministers and senior officials of Asian countries, business leaders, top officials of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, the ASEAN secretariat, prominent experts, media and civil society representatives are expected in the conference.

The hosting of the ICGIA this year is through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission.

As a starting ground for security measures, Verzosa said he had already formed a special task force that will be dubbed National Task Force “Greening Industry in Asia” and designated Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano, PNP Deputy Chief for Operations as its commander.

The group, the official said, will oversee the operations of several Task Groups directly involved in providing security to delegates in the international conference.