December 12, 2011
Against a backdrop of the glacial pace by which the international climate treaty negotiations have progressed, recently evidenced by the near collapse of climate talks in Durban, I rise once again to remind world leaders of the responsibilities before us to lead our people out of the crises and uncertainties brought about by climate change.
We can take inspiration from a victim of a disaster, who turned the tragedy into an opportunity and help stop the next disaster from happening.
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December 5, 2011
The Philippines and Korea have a long history of partnership, with Filipinos dedicating their lives in Korea’s struggle for freedom.
The Korean War in its broadest sense was a crucial battle for the Republic of Korea (ROK) as a nation; but with regard to its bilateral relations with the Philippines, it served as the foundation of a friendship, which was solidified by constant partnership in various circumstances and which both nations continue to enjoy.
The deployment to South Korea of […]
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November 28, 2011
This month, two meetings of great import to the region and to our country were held – one in Bali, and the other one in Hawaii. These are the recently-concluded 19th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and the 19th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
There were also related meetings conducted along the sidelines of the APEC and ASEAN that are also important.
These meetings have attracted great attention, mainly because some of the world’s economic powers were represented […]
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November 24, 2011
(Standard Greetings)
Allow me first to thank the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for inviting me to this conference that is very significant to our advocacy of strengthening disaster risk reduction efforts in the community level.
Disaster risks, by all indications, are increasing exponentially. The fusion of socio-economic realities and extreme climatic events has confounded gallant attempts by governments. We cannot, however, be caught off-balanced and discouraged, and instead, try to match our best intentions with a […]
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November 23, 2011
Mr. President
The world will commemorate on November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Sixteen years after the country adopted its first special law to protect women against sexual harassment and six other special laws thereafter, we continue to be hounded by an increasing incidence of violence against women.
The number of violence against women cases reported to the Philippine National Police rose by 52% from the figure of 2009, based on official figures compiled […]
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