Ph pushes for cooperation on disaster mgt, protection for migrant workers at ASEAN Plus Three summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on fellow leaders for a greater ASEAN Plus Three (APT) cooperation on disaster management, and increased protection for the welfare of migrant workers.

Speaking before the 17th ASEAN Plus Three Summit (APT) with China, Japan, and South Korea on Thursday, President Aquino cited Typhoon Haiyan and Typhoon Bopha among natural disasters that caused severe destruction to life and property.

“The past few years, we have also seen major natural disasters, including Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and Typhoon Bopha in 2012, both of which severely affected the lives and property of our peoples,” the President said.

“Our country believes that greater APT cooperation on disaster risk reduction is a necessity, since these increasingly powerful disasters are a threat to every country,” the Chief Executive said in his intervention.

President Aquino acknowledged the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and China on Disaster Management as a major step towards deepening APT cooperation.

“China’s generous contribution of 50 million Yuan supports the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme, the strengthening of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre), and the ASEAN Secretariat’s capacity building programs on disaster management,” he said.

President Aquino also called on fellow leaders to protect the rights of migrant workers, citing their significant contribution to the economies and societies of their host governments.

“Of course, it is necessary for us to ensure the safety and security of all our peoples. For this reason, the Philippines supports efforts to address migrant workers’ issues under the APT Cooperation Work Plan,” the President said.

“Migrant workers contribute significantly to the economies and societies of their host governments. We have a collective responsibility and moral duty to uphold their dignity and promote and protect their human rights,” he added.

President Aquino said he also supports all endeavors promoting good governance.

The President also noted that the ASEAN Plus Three mechanism plays a major role in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region. Thus, he urged the Plus Three Countries to exercise all efforts to convince all parties to resume the Six Party Talks.

“The Philippines likewise supports efforts of the international community to promote disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” he said.

The President also reiterated the need to properly manage the tensions in the South China Sea through the full and effective implementation of the DOC and the early conclusion of the COC.

Furthermore, he expressed the Philippines’ support to the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relations.

“We look forward to the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in Busan in December,” he said. (PCOO News Release)