Message: Philippine Harvest: Antique

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) represent the majority of our enterprises and comprise the largest bulk of our workforce in the country. In 2008, I pushed for the enactment of Republic Act 9501 or the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Act to harness opportunities for employment in this sector and livelihood development in the communities.

Keynote Speech: 2019 Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week

Today, as we mark the 12th year of our country’s observance of Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, the call to accelerate and enhance our actions in addressing the impacts of climate change has never been more critical. The latest climate science has repeatedly articulated the worst case and best case scenarios for communities, for governments, for citizens as we confront the adverse impacts of climate change. We have reached the point of no return. It is either we decide to act to survive, or we stagnate and perish. As we look at disasters happening around the world, we can conclude—the planet has truly reached a tipping point.

From Lessons to Actions: Bridging Schools to Communities, Toward Addressing Climate Challenges

Ladies and gentlemen, climate change is the most daunting development challenge our world faces today—having the most far-reaching impact and requiring most urgent action from all.

The phenomenon is so complex and overreaching in its impacts that we should now begin calling it the ‘climate crisis.’ It threatens to take away the things we love and value– and this is the challenge that brings us to where we are today.

Message: “From Risk to Resilience: Forging Pathways and Milestones”

Distinguished guests, private business sector leaders, colleagues in government, partners from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, civil society, ladies and gentlemen, good morning.
 
I am privileged to deliver my message at the 8th Top Leaders Forum, even as I carry out my role of representing the Philippines at the 24th Board Meeting of the Green Climate Fund here in Korea.

Statement on the Fall of the Berlin Wall Anniversary

No Berlin wall. No divide. This is how it should be. Just like our very own 1986 EDSA Revolution, the fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years ago had been an unexpected milestone. It has since allowed many people to enjoy the freedom of space and movement, and to learn from and appreciate other people’s ideology and beliefs. Now that its segments and pieces have been shared by the German government to other nations and institutions around the world, may […]