Philippine President Benigno Aquino III had to take 20 flights
of stairs up a water treatment plant in the first day of his state
visit to Singapore after the building’s only lift broke down.
Executives of Singapore’s national water agency PUB were touring
the 51-year-old head of state and his delegation around the Changi
Water Reclamation Plant yesterday.
As the group prepared to head back up after looking at some used
water pumps 60 metres underground, the only lift broke down — the
first time since the plant opened more than two years ago.
The group waited for technicians to get the lift working again,
but after 20 minutes, Mr Aquino removed his jacket, loosened his
tie and started climbing the stairs, The Straits Times
reported.
Accompanied by Singapore Minister Lim Swee Say of the Prime
Minister’s Office, Aquino remained in good spirits, taking short
breaks along the way.
Members of the delegation kept the mood buoyant. One Philippine
Cabinet secretary quipped: “We’re okay, Mr President, we’ll follow
you anywhere you go.”
Upon reaching the top after a 10-minute climb, Mr Aquino
received a towel, some water and apologies from Mr Lim and PUB
executives.
“No problem at all,” the Filipino President replied.
Mr Aquino is scheduled to have lunch with Singapore Prime
Minister Lee Hsien Loong today and attend a state dinner hosted by
President S R Nathan.
The visiting leader will also have an orchid named after him
tomorrow, and will be speaking at an event organised by the
Singapore Business Federation and the Singapore Management
University.
-- Yahoo!
Even a common thing like climbing stairs need to be let
known to the majority in the news.
How i envy people with status.