NEWSFLASH

RP WINS BID TO HOST WORLD EXPO 2002

Manila, June 8, 1998 - The Philippines will host the World Expo in 2002. The country was chosen by the general assembly of the Bureau of International Expositions in Paris Friday.

The victory of the Philippines over Australia marked the first time that a developing country was chosen by the 84-member BIE as the site of its trade exposition. Since 1851, international expositions had been hosted by developed countries. The BIE is the United Nations body that supervises and regulates world expositions and exhibitions.

The Quezon City Memorial Circle and the adjoining Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park will be the site of the event to be held from January to April in the year 2002.

The World Expo, held every four years, gathers the world's leaders in science and technology, tourism, manufacturing, telecommunications and other fields. In 2002, it is expected to showcase the world's accomplishments during this century, with a special focus on the Philippines as the host country.

Outgoing Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor, head of the Philippine delegation to the bidding, hailed the decision as a "victory for the Philippines and world eco-tourism," the latter being the theme of the 2002 exposition.

"This victory couldn't have happened at a more significant moment in our history," she said. The country is celebrating 100 years of freedom, and Gabor said her group was determined "to put to rest the myth that no developing nation could ever successfully host such an important world event."

The Philippines is also the first Asian country to host the World Expo.