Manila – The Philippine government announced on Wednesday the transfer of the Informal Senior Officials Meeting (ISOM)of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this weekend from Legaspi City to Manila following the threats of super typhoon Habagat, locally known as Ruby.

Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the decision to move the venue was made after consultations with the APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and other stakeholders.

The ISOM was supposed to be held the from Dec. 8 to 9 at the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi City. Ochoa said ISOM will proceed as scheduled in another venue in Manila.

“While this is highly unfortunate, we have deemed it best to err on the side of prudence and ensure the safety of the delegates, ” said Ochoa, adding that the transfer of venue would also allow the local government of Legazpi and Albay to focus on the necessary actions to be taken in light of the coming typhoon.

According to the Philippine meteorological department, Habagat is expected to enter the country on Thursday and make a landfall over the weekend. Source: Xinhua