09 September 2013 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario met with European Commissioner for Climate Action, Mme. Connie Hedegaard on September 06.

They exchanged views on possible ways and means to mitigate extreme climate change events which are being felt worldwide, especially in the Philippines. Commissioner Hedegard cited the World Disaster Report 2012, which ranked the Philippines as the third most disaster-prone country in the world after Tonga and Vanuatu.  The report concluded that despite the country’s high risk due to exposure to natural calamities, the Philippines had the best rating on adaptation measures.

The European Commissioner proposed a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines in advancing the global climate change agenda, noting that the Philippines has an important role to play in promoting awareness in this global phenomenon.

Commissioner Hedegaard also met with Climate Change Commission Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, Asian Development Bank officials, Senate Committee on Climate Change Chairperson Loren Legarda, and members of the civil society.

The European Union has been providing substantial humanitarian assistance to the Philippines during times of calamity.  When Typhoon Pablo struck, the EU was one of the first to convey its sympathy, sending Php 530 million worth of assistance to the country. END