(Eagle News Service) — Saying that “natural disasters do not recognize national boundaries,” President Aquino has called on fellow ASEAN leaders to step up efforts in addressing climate change.
Aquino made the pronouncement during his intervention at the 2nd ASEAN-US Summit, which is part of the 25th ASEAN Summit held at the Myanmar International Center on Thursday.
Before ASEAN leaders and US President Barack Obama, President Aquino underscored the massive effect of climate change to the Philippines, citing recent powerful storms, including Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), which left a trail of destruction in the Visayan region last year.
“These natural disasters do not recognize national boundaries, and they emphasize the necessity of increased regional cooperation through every available channel,” he said.
He mentioned the adoption of the ASEAN-US Joint Statement on Climate Change as an important political statement regarding the Philippines’ expectations of the work the ASEAN nations must do together to combat climate change.
“Among these are support for low-carbon economic growth trajectories, particularly the building of more climate-resilient societies, as well as access to climate change financing and technology transfer,” he said.
He said the Philippines is in the process of drawing up its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), which is one of the key components of the global climate change agreement to be adopted by countries signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
President Aquino noted that Typhoon Haiyan demonstrated the value of strong humanitarian and defense partnerships between the Philippines and the US.
“The American and Philippine armed forces, along with defense establishments throughout the world, worked together to provide rapid humanitarian assistance in the wake of the disaster,” he said.
He reiterated the Philippines’ gratitude to the US and the ASEAN nations for their help in the recovery and rehabilitation of typhoon-struck communities. (with a PND report)
