Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — President Duterte's attendance at the 2016 Asia Pacific Economic (APEC) summit isn't final yet, but for now it's a go.

Communications Sec. Martin Andanar on Sunday said the President will join the world economic leaders' meeting next week in Lima, Peru.

"For now, it is confirmed, for now, it can change tomorrow," Andanar said.

This year's summit, themed "Quality Growth and Human Development," will be held from November 18-19. Peru first hosted the summit in 2008.

The 2016 APEC Summit will focus on four priority areas, including Human Capital Development, Upgrading SMEs, Regional Food Market, and Regional Economic Integration Agenda. The APEC currently has 21 member economies.

"We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Maybe there could be other activities that could just spring up and activities that are more important than activities in Peru," Andanar added.

Duterte had hinted that he might skip the summit because he "hates long-haul flights."

"It's a long way across the globe. It's a long-haul and it will kill you by the time you reach...If my presence is dispensable, I'd rather not kasi malayo (because it's far). I hate long-hauls," the president said when he arrived from Malaysia last Thursday.

Traveling from Manila to Lima could take more than a whole day and would require a connecting flight via Auckland, New Zealand or via Miami or New York in the U.S.

In his Thursday speech, Duterte said he would prefer traveling to Peru via New Zealand.

Andanar said the president would probably stop over in New Zealand for two hours so he and his team could rest.

"You can just imagine the toll it will, that it will … effect on the president's body and the rest of the contingent. Also, we have to consider the jetlag and the time zones that you have to adjust to," Andanar said.

Andanar said an activity with the Filipino community in New Zealand "remains to be seen."