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: 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.