May 10, 2011
Mr. President,
The United Nations reported that over the past two decades, the number of recorded disasters has doubled from approximately 200 to over 400 per year. Nine out of every ten of these disasters are said to be climate-related.
Disasters do not only abound. They have also become deadlier. And with climate change, the country is foreseen to suffer stronger typhoons, sea level rise, more flashfloods, more devastating droughts and increased incidence of water and vector-borne diseases.
And to […]
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March 29, 2011
The first quarter of the year has posed a great challenge to our government in terms of promoting the well-being and safety of Filipino nationals overseas. The socio-political developments in the Middle East and North Africa, and the hazards that occurred in some nations have put to test the ability of our government, including our embassies and consulates abroad, to carry out its mandated duty to protect our citizens living and working in foreign countries.
The political unrest in Tunisia […]
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March 25, 2011
More than two decades ago, in 1984, the Philippines deployed about 351,000 Filipino workers overseas. By the end of 2008, our annual deployment has reached 1.2 million, about one million land-based and more than 200,000 seafarers.[1] Filipino workers can now be found in almost all countries. In fact, we are second only to the Indians in terms of migration, with about 10% of our total population of 92 million working and residing abroad.
Migration of our workers helps reduce unemployment […]
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March 22, 2011
The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan has reminded the world to prepare for the worst, biggest and deadliest disasters. What happened in Japan can happen too in our country — with a far worse scenario if we are not prepared. It is certain that a strong earthquake may occur — a fact as real as the presence of a major earthquake fault in Metro Manila. The only question that remains is — When will it strike and how prepared […]
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March 16, 2011
As I speak before you today, Japan is in a state of disaster after a powerful earthquake and ensuing tsunami hit its country and caused widespread destruction. Its grim and tragic aftermath left thousands of people dead, injured, and homeless. As rescue workers dig out victims from the rubble and more people are brought to safety, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Japan, especially to the grieving and displaced families.
Once again, […]
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