Noy to lead Climate Vulnerable Forum

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will lead the Climate Vulnerable Forum to be participated in by 20 developing countries representing almost 200 million people and will join world leaders in pushing for a new and legally binding agreement that will ensure funding for vulnerable countries to address the effects of climate change.

The Philippines was chosen to lead the forum formed in 2009 aimed at generating financial support from the private and public sectors for a general climate action.

The President and his delegation will leave for Paris today to attend the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21). He will also visit Rome where he will meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Pope Francis and the Filipino and business communities there.

In Paris, Aquino will present the programs the Philippines is implementing to combat climate change, including its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent in the energy, transportation, waste, forestry and other industries by 2030, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run dzRB yesterday.

Coloma said the commitment would depend on the financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity building to be made available for vulnerable countries like the Philippines and is part of the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution of the Philippines submitted to the United Nations on Oct. 1.

He said the President would also push for a new climate change agreement that would be more fair and effective in addressing the concerns of vulnerable countries.

Coloma said Aquino’s participation in the COP21 is important given the country’s vulnerability to disasters, which affects the agriculture sector and food security. He said at least 20 developing countries representing almost 200 million people would attend the summit.

He said the President would also meet with in investors in Paris.

Italy trip

Coloma said the President would meet with the Italian president in his official residence in Rome.

During his meeting with the Filipino community, Aquino would report on the government’s programs and projects.

Coloma said Aquino’s visit to Italy aims to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The agenda during his meeting with Mattarella include the Mindanao peace process and agreements on agriculture, agrarian reform and air services.

 Aquino will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican to relay the country’s gratitude for his visit to the Philippines as well as his support for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Coloma said the President would also meet with the religious and witness the unveiling and blessing of the mosaic sculpture of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.