Set to share disaster experience, Aquino flies to Paris

MANILA, Philippines  — President Benigno Aquino III departed Manila for Paris on Sunday to share the country's experience bearing the brunt of natural disasters believed to be worsened by climate change.

Aquino will join other world leaders at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the French capital aiming to reach a legally binding and universal agreement on climate change.

"Sa Climate Vulnerable Forum naman po, magsisilbi tayong kinatawan ng mga bansang pangunahing naaapektuhan ng dumadalas at lumalakas na bugso ng kalamidad na dulot ng pagbabago sa klima," Aquino said in his departure message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Sunday morning.

Aquino said the Philippines is France's ally in its fight to address climate change with French President Francois Hollande choosing Manila to call for action in February in a state visit.

"Sa pagtungo naman natin sa France, ipapaabot natin ang ating pakikidalamhati sa kanilang mamamayan sa karumal-dumal na pangyayari sa kanilang bansa kamakailan lang. Nakikiisa po tayo sa kanila sa pagkondena sa ganitong karahasan na dulot ng pansariling interes ng masasamang elemento," Aquino said.

Besides pushing for an environmental advocacy in France, Aquino said he will also meet with businessmen and present what the Philippines has to offer in terms of investment opportunities.

"Sa paghikayat natin sa kanilang mamuhunan at magpalawak ng negosyo dito sa Pilipinas, mas dumadami ang nalilikhang pagkakataon para sa ating mga kababayan," Aquino said.

The president will go on a three-country trip to Europe, dropping by Italy after his visit in France to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

"Lalagda po tayo doon ng mga kasunduang lalong magpapabuti sa kabuhayan ng ating mamamayan," Aquino said.

He is also scheduled to greet members of the Filipino community in Rome.

Aquino will then go to Vatican City to undertake a reciprocal visit to Pope Francis, the leader of the predominantly Catholic nation he leads. The pope visited the Philippines in January.

"Sasaksihan natin doon ang pagbebendisyon sa imahen ng Mahal na Birhen ng Peñafrancia. Dadalaw rin po tayo kay Papa Francisco, upang ipaabot ang ating mga panalangin para sa bansa at sa ating mga kababayan, na alam nating malapit sa kanyang puso," Aquino said.