President Aquino to underscore Philippine initiatives in addressing climate change during Summit in New York

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year’s theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III will highlight the country’s vulnerability to weather disturbances as well as the Philippine government’s initiatives in addressing climate change when he attends the Climate Summit 2014 in New York on September 23.

The President will join other leaders during the one-day summit to show that while the country is hit by devastating natural calamities as a result of changing weather, the Philippines is also doing several initiatives to mitigate climate change, said Climate Change Commission Secretary Lucille Sering on Tuesday.

Among those to be highlighted by the President are the country’s passage of the renewable energy law in 2008, and the adoption of bus rapid transport that considers alternative modes of transportation and the use of electric vehicles.

Sering, in a press briefing at the Palace, said there are different proposals in Congress relating to the adoption of laws on energy efficiency.

The Philippines is among the countries in Southeast Asia to have a windmill, she said, noting that recently, the President also launched a solar farm in the country.

The Philippines is also the first country in Southeast Asia to have the People Survival Fund Board, which has allocated special funds to help local governments access technical support to address their lack of technical expertise.

“Iyon po ang gusto nating iangat at sabihin doon na maliban dito sa ating vulnerability, meron na po tayong ginagawa,” she said.

“At inaasahan po na sa latest po ay baka ang Pangulo ng US ay dumalo rin at inaasahan rin ang mga leaders galing sa Tsina, India, Brazil ay baka dumalo rin,” she added.

The Climate Summit 2014, organized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, is not part of the climate negotiations held annually, Sering said, adding that the summit intends to give global leaders direction for a meaningful global agreement on climate change next year.