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.
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speeches
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 […]
Message: 29th Library Information Services Month
I am honored to be invited as Keynote Speaker in today’s Opening Ceremonies for the 29th Library and Information Services, or LIS, Month. During the session break of Congress, I went to Germany along with officials from the National Book Development Board to lead the Philippine contingent in this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest and most important trade fair for the book publishing industry. An average of more than 7,000 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors visit the annual five-day trade fair. Fortunately for us, and through our hard work and sheer determination, the Philippines made its debut in 2015 after a 15-year absence from the book fair.
Speech: Introduction to Piña Seda
Traditional textiles are ties that bind. It links the past to the present and brings together cultures, which, no matter how diverse, has a commonality.
Traditional textiles bring together industries, communities, and people. A fabric or a garment is a synergy among workers and artisans. It is a product of diligence, hard work, and passion.
Privilege Speech
Privilege Speech: The Global Commission on Adaptation’s Flagship Report “Adapt Now: A Global Call for Leadership on Climate Resilience”
“People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!”
These are few of the gripping words spoken by the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, addressing the United Nations Climate Action Summit on Monday.
Co-Sponsorship Speech: Joint Resolution Extending the Availability of the 2019 Appropriations for MOOE and CO to December 31, 2020
Co Sponsorship of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda On Committee Report No. 30 House Joint Resolution No. 19: Extending the Availability of the 2019 Appropriations for Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses and Capital Outlay to December 31, 2020 25 September 2019 | Plenary Hall
Mr. Speaker,
Message: UP Resilience Institute Building Groundbreaking Ceremony
This very occasion that we are marking today, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Resilience Institute, is an example of how slow the budget cycle can take. We have long enacted the budget for this project, yet we are witnessing the actual physical manifestation of the implementation of this very important project only today. But discourse on this perennial concern can be had at another time, for today is a joyous occasion.