Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Greetings from the Philippines!
First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you who have sent letters of support, words of concern and prayers for the Filipino people who have recently been affected by the natural calamities of a terrible earthquake that took place on October 15 and a high intensity Typhoon named Haiyan or Yolanda that hit last November 8. The magnitude of the devastation and destruction to lives and property is unfathomable. There is much work to be done towards recovery and it will take some time for those affected to recover and start rebuilding their lives. It is truly heartwarming how the international community has come to our aid against all odds.
On a more positive note, I would like to inform you that we the organizers of APLAR 2014 in Cebu have received a formal certification regarding the soundness of the Congress venue, Radisson Blu Hotel. The venue has been deemed safe and sound. The local organizing committee in Cebu has confirmed this. We are therefore ready and look forward to welcoming you to Cebu City from March 31 to April 4, 2014.
Mabuhay!
Sincerely yours,
Jose Paulo Lorenzo, MD
Chairman, APLAR 2014 Organizing Committee