By Ben Nadarajan
President Aquino smiles as he makes it up the last flight of stairs to ground level after viewing some used-water pumps 60m underground at the Changi Water Reclamation Plant. A lift breakdown forced the VIP visitor to take the stairs, accompanied by members of his delegation and Minister Lim Swee Say. Mr Aquino is on his first official swing through the region since becoming president last year. -- ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
PHILIPPINE President Benigno Aquino had an eventful first day in Singapore yesterday - including having to climb 20 flights of stairs after a lift broke down.
His first stop after arriving from Jakarta was the Changi Water Reclamation Plant in Tanah Merah.
The 51-year-old was shown the facility by senior executives of national water agency PUB, and was accompanied by members of his delegation as well as Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Lim Swee Say.
The tour included going 60m underground to view some used-water pumps. But as the group prepared to head back up, the only lift broke down - the first time this has happened since the plant opened more than two years ago.
Technicians scurried to get it working again but after 20 minutes, Mr Aquino removed his jacket, loosened his tie and took to the stairs.
Accompanied by Mr Lim, he remained in good spirits, taking short breaks along the way. An aide said Mr Aquino had a slight cough.
Members of his delegation helped keep the mood buoyant, with one Cabinet secretary quipping: 'We're okay, Mr President, we'll follow you anywhere you go.'
Reaching the top after a 10-minute climb, Mr Aquino was given a towel and some water, along with apologies from Mr Lim and PUB executives.
His reply: 'No problem at all.'
And he had to head for his next appointment.
Mr Aquino, who is on his first tour of the region since becoming president last year, met 300 Filipino workers in various industries here.
His last official stop of the day was a visit to Resorts World Sentosa. He will visit Marina Bay Sands tomorrow.
Today, he will have lunch with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and attend a state dinner hosted by President SR Nathan. He will also have an orchid named after him.
Tomorrow, he will speak at an event organised by the Singapore Business Federation as well as at the Singapore Management University
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