BEYOND the horrendous traffic, the cancellation or delay of flights and the sudden trending of the hashtag #ApecHotties, we asked young people about their views on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, how much they know about it. It is, after all, about their future.

“It will bring foreign investments to our country, boost the economy and tourism.” —Faith Dizon, Tarlac State University

“I think the summit is an avenue for state leaders to convene and talk about possible negotiations and partnerships that are beneficial to the member states and for the strengthening of the Asean identity.” —Glenn Revillas, De La Salle University

“Seriously, masyadong mapagpanggap ang Pilipinas. We are all affected by it, not just the classes, offices and businesses. But I’m hoping that
P-Noy will support the microbusinesses in the Philippines as part of the trading industry.” —Chesca Rosal, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

“It’s a good opportunity for Apec members to work toward their growth and development, specifically their economy. It’s also a good opportunity for the Philippines to integrate with other member countries, for us to improve and align our strategies and policies with other countries, so we could have a better business environment.” —Kristine Lo, De La Salle University

“It’s a great opportunity especially for entrepreneurs. And since speakers from different countries came here to inspire change, I think all the preparations were necessary for the government, because in the globalized society we have today, interconnection among countries is inevitable. That’s why it’s important for us to foster our international relations.” —Nina Bonifacio, University of the Philippines Diliman

“I think Apec is essential to the country. I mean, if it goes really well and as planned, we might be in for some change.” —Jonathan Baldorado, San Beda College

“For me, it is a way to promote the Philippines, but I honestly think that there will be ‘plastic’ interactions during the event.” —Von Asuncion, Tarlac Montessori School

“I think it’s ineffective. It’s nothing but a cheap show of fake diplomacy. I also think it’s quite ironic that the “C” in Apec stands for cooperation, when in reality its nonbinding nature makes it easy for the member nations to disregard any agreement made.” —Nat Ermino, De La Salle University

“The Apec summit is a big help for every country in the Asia-Pacific region, especially those striving to rise in terms of economics, since Apec’s mission is to support sustainable economic growth in the region. I thought it was also a big privilege for our country to hold such an event.” —Blest Sabado, Mapua Institute of Technology

“I don’t think the Philippines was ready to host such an event. However, this just might open the eyes and ears of our economic leaders.” —Matthew Cortez, Tarlac Montessori School

“I think the Apec summit will be very helpful for the economic growth of all the participating countries.” —Ann Janet Escalona, University of the Philippines Diliman

“I think Apec was a good avenue for leaders to share their thoughts about certain issues that would contribute to a better society.” —LA Cantimbuhan, De La Salle University

“Para sa akin, ang corny ng pagka-plastic natin sa kalinisan at seguridad ng bansa. Hindi natin kailangang magpa-gwapo para sa mga lider ng ibang bansa, kung simula’t sapul pa lang maayos na ang bansa para sa mamamayang Pilipino, at hindi para sa mga banyaga.” —Joben Padre, University of the Philippines Diliman

“I think the Apec summit would be good for our economy if it would be utilized efficiently by the government. Our high-ranking officials must show the true status of the archipelago, not hide anything from the eyes of world leaders. They should use this chance to boost our economy by inviting investors and promoting tourism in the country.” —Aeron Paras, University of the Philippines Los Baños

“What I know about Apec is that it promotes free access among the 21 participating countries. As a student, I see it as a business opportunity for the country.” —Katrina Mercado, College of the Holy Spirit

“As far as I know, Apec is concerned with the improvement of its members’ economies. But I am not aware of the benefits the host country will get from hosting the summit. Since this is an organizational obligation, I cannot argue about the fact that the government spent a lot while there are people who live below the poverty line.” —Emmanuel Lacadin, Ateneo de Manila University

“Apec is an avenue for member countries to collaborate and improve different policies, new systems to boost industries, and promote social justice for all. The country is very fortunate to be involved, since a lot of opportunities are being opened to us. However, no matter how good the plans are, proper implementation and discipline are needed for them to work.” —Alyette Ang, De La Salle University

“The Apec summit could possibly benefit the Philippines economically; however, the cancellation of flights due to the event inconvenienced many people.” —Kit Nunag, University of the Philippines Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga

“The Apec summit is where world leaders come to a host country to discuss how to improve their economies and their relations with one another. It is a great opportunity for a Third World country like ours to host it. Through Apec, we can show other world leaders our capabilities as well as our limitations, which they can help us improve on.

“I saw the summit as a great opportunity for Filipinos to show the world what we have, what we can do and what we can improve on. If people, especially the youth, tried to learn more about the Apec summit, they would see it as more than just a week-long vacation.” —Baden Thian, De La Salle University

“It’s an imperialist-engineered instrument of economic terror, exploitation and oppression of Filipino workers. Walang saysay ’yung inclusive growth na sinasabi ni P-Noy because only the elite will benefit. Ang pakikilahok ng Pilipinas sa Apec ay patunay lamang na nasa ilalim pa rin tayo ng mga kapitalista. Hindi na-i-integrate ang majority of the population sa economic reform.” —Mary Patangan, University of the Philippines Mindanao

“Through the Apec summit, the Philippines can build a stronger foundation by planning with neighboring countries who could actually help us while satisfying their interests. Because the Philippines hosted the summit, I hope that we caught the attention of fellow Apec countries to help us increase job opportunities and the employment rate, as well as reduce poverty.

“I also feel that the meetings can help reduce conflicts among countries in terms of settling trade agreements because this time, they are planning to establish a single Free Trade Agreement that will suit everyone.

“But the outcome would still depend on the Philippine government’s performance—if it will be just ‘plans and dreams,’ or if all these will be applied at the end of the day.” —Adrian Deparene, De La Salle University

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