Protests over the recently concluded high-level meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) were not confined within Metro Manila: they were spread out throughout the entire country as early as May, when APEC economic ministers met in Boracay. If Pres. Benigno Aquino III is “swelling up with pride” over what he claims are Filipinos’ warm welcome of APEC delegates, here are ordinary Filipinos who are “swelling up with anger” over APEC and its false claim of “building inclusive economies, building a better world,” as it impacts their lives:
Boracay, Aklan
May 10: Protesters made their way to Boracay during the exclusive APEC meetings. Photo by Panay Today.May 10: Fisherfolk say that APEC meetings talk about how the country’s natural resources can be sold out to big, foreign corporations. They instead call for national industrialization as the way to progress. Photo by Panay Today.
Iloilo City
September 21: At the various APEC meetings held in Iloilo City, church people and other sectors led in denouncing “imperialist plunder” pushed by APEC and multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organization. Photo by Panay Today.September 29: APEC meeting on biotechnology and food security were picketed by farmers who oppose GMOs. They also denounced security overkill, or “fascism in the city” for APEC. Photo by Panay Today.
Baguio City
November 17: During the 61st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference and in response to APEC, indigenous peoples in Cordillera marched along Session Road to call on the people to “Defend the North” from further entry of mining corporations and to fight for “Land, Life, and Resources.” Photo by Noel Godinez/Northern Dispatch Weekly.November 17: APEC is all about “corporate greed,” says this placard held by a student. Photo by Noel Godinez/Northern Dispatch Weekly.
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