Legarda Joins In EU-RP Panel Meet Climate change adaptation, welfare of Pinoys in Europe to be discussed

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA IS AMONG THE LEGISLATORS WHO SHALL PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE PHILIPPINE SENATE TODAY AT THE HOTEL SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA.
The EU Parliament delegation, led by Mr. Werner Langen, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and the ASEAN and a member of the Europe People’s Party of Germany, and the Philippine Senate, led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, will be discussing the growing partnership between the country and the EU that has seen enhanced cooperation among the nations on a range of global issues including achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, conflict prevention, human rights and security.
Legarda said among the issues that would be discussed is stronger collaboration in promoting Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (CCMA) initiatives.
“Across countries, there has to be continuing advocacy for DRR and CCMA in governments. The Parliamentarians of the Philippines and the EU can continue to cooperate toward ensuring the mainstreaming of DRR and CCMA in legislation and budget appropriations,” she said.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said that EU’s Green Diplomacy Network (GDN) would be a usable model for the country’s own CCMA efforts. The GDN focuses on environmental topics that have significant relevance to the EU’s external relations.
The Senator also noted that the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department is providing about €2 million for projects to enhance local disaster preparedness capacity in the country.
Meanwhile, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Legarda said that she would also seek assurance on the protection of the welfare of an estimated one million Filipinos living in Europe.
“Due to the debt crisis in Europe that has affected its employment sector, several countries are reportedly going after undocumented foreign workers. We would want to discuss with the EU delegation how the Directive 2008/115/EC would affect our Filipino workers who wish to pursue opportunities in Europe,” she said.
Directive 2008/225/EC of the European Parliament consists of the common standards and procedures in EU Member States for third-country nationals.