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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November 21, 2011
(Standard Greetings)
It is my distinct pleasure to speak before you today in this important conference in observance of the National Climate Change Consciousness Week.
Disasters do not only abound. They have also become deadlier. Climate change has caused many nations to suffer stronger typhoons, sea level rise, more flashfloods, and more devastating droughts. If proof is what we need to substantiate these claims, we already have more than enough.
In 2009, typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng left nearly a thousand […]
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November 12, 2011
(Standard Greetings)
In recognizing the undoubtedly significant role of local government units in the lives of our people, it has been a part of my advocacy to strengthen and empower LGUs through various projects and by supporting programs in our local communities.
As a Senator, I am aware that most of our LGUs still need much support from the national government. This is precisely why we have our Priority Development Assistance Fund, so that we can allocate funds to help […]
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October 13, 2011
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen:
It is my distinct pleasure to speak before you today in this important National Indigenous Peoples Cultural Summit.
Today, we take pride in our cultural rootedness and recognize the people whose lives take us through many centuries of struggle to protect the land we live in, preserve the virtues we uphold and bring us back to who we are.
Our indigenous peoples have shaped our story as a Filipino people- our music, arts and dance, our native knowledge and […]
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