Marcos tells Ormoc: Continue food security, climate change programs

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday called on the Ormoc city government to continue its food security and climate change programs as the typhoon-stricken city celebrated its 75th founding anniversary.

Marcos said Ormoc’s local history and shared experiences have served as an assurance that no matter how uncertain the future remains, a “strong sense of solidarity and cooperation” would always lead to “greater feats.”

“Bearing the zeal and drive for unification, I hope that the city government of Ormoc will bind its people and sustain its programs and projects that are primarily geared to attain the crisis that we face, that of food security, that of energy supply, and the change in the global climate,” he said during the 75th Ormoc City diamond charter day celebration.

The President praised Ormoc for giving emphasis to initiatives aimed at addressing the vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. He recalled the city’s experience during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda, which ravaged Eastern Visayas and left more than 6,000 people dead in 2013.

“We sent aid here and I won’t forget and perhaps nobody will forget how difficult the situation was,” the President said in Filipino.

‘Most existential crisis’

Marcos noted that Typhoon Odette, which hit the country last year, was not as strong as Yolanda but the amount of damage it caused was also huge. He called climate change “the most existential” and “first global crisis” that humanity has to face together.

“Because of the previous typhoons, we have to think of ways to adapt, how we can change our ways so we can respond to the global warming that we are experiencing,” Marcos said.

“We in the Philippines are very vulnerable to that. We have to do everything to take care of our environment. We have to be conscious of our use of natural resources in the Philippines. If we are not careful, we would use up everything,”

Marcos also encouraged the development and use of renewable energy to help minimize the negative impacts of fossil fuel. He also recognized Ormoc’s interventions for family development, including its social protection program for adolescent mothers and their children.

“As the 15th locality to become a city in the entire Philippines and the first in the Eastern Visayas region, these accomplishments you have championed continue to speak of your excellence in service and in governance. With this, I once again will repeat this administration’s commitment to support those programs and projects for the betterment of your locality and for our country,” Marcos said.

In the same event, Marcos thanked the people of Ormoc for supporting him during this year’s presidential race. “Even if we are experiencing a lot of challenges, we won’t get tired. We won’t stop working because I know I have to repay a huge debt of gratitude. My payment will be our work and our effort to improve the Philippines and the lives of Filipinos,” the President said.

Marcos also urged residents of Ormoc to avail themselves of COVID-19 booster shots, noting that the vaccination rate in the city is only 33 percent. “Get boosted so we can reduce the infection and we can open all businesses... Let us prioritize our health so that with renewed vigor and with renewed strength, we can act unrestrained in our efforts to bring forth a better, a brighter, and more united Philippines for everyone,” he added.