GOVPH

02 October 2013 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario championed the Philippine Government’s “Daang Matuwid” before the international community as a solemn “social contract with the Filipino people” that has already borne real fruits and underscored the importance of global action on migrants rights even as he identified Philippine imperatives for sustainable development.

Speaking at the General Debate of the 68^th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 30 at the UN Headquarters in New York, Secretary del Rosario urged nations to work closely together to realize “the very raison d'etre of the United Nations: which is to accord every person the opportunity at a life that is secure, progressive and dignified.”

Citing the inroads achieved by the Philippine Government under President Benigno S. Aquino III, Secretary del Rosario pointed out that “my country has embarked on a journey along a straight path – or, as we say in Filipino, “Daang Matuwid” – resolving to work towards inclusive growth, combating corruption, promoting transparency and accountability, improving global competitiveness, making better use of resources, achieving just and lasting peace, and upholding the rule of law” and stated that because “good governance is good economics,” the Philippines is now “reaping the first fruits of its hard work,” including unprecedented growth for the Philippine economy of over seven (7) percent in the last four quarters resulting in three (3) investment-grade ratings.  Secretary del Rosario said the Philippines is now considered a “growth engine” in the region and is committed to ensure that “growth is inclusive, resilient and sustainable.”

Reaffirming the Philippine Government’s resolve to achieve sustainable growth, Secretary del Rosario also identified five pillars that will address the Philippines’ development challenges which he said represented the areas where “progress is most needed to build a rights-based, equitable and sustainable society”

“For my country, we have identified five pillars that we believe will address our own specific development challenges.  These pillars represent the areas where progress is most needed to build a rights-based, equitable and sustainable society. These pillars are: First, poverty reduction and social inclusion; Second, environment sustainability, climate change and disaster risk management; Third, accountable, responsive and participatory governance; Fourth, a fair and stable order based on the international rule of law; and Fifth, peace and security,” stressed Secretary del Rosario during the General Debate.

Secretary del Rosario also cited the need to address issues relating to international migration, stating that the post-2015 development agenda should squarely address migration, describing migration as “a cross-cutting issue relevant to our efforts to promote human rights, reduce poverty and foster sustainable development.”

“The Philippines, for its part, will continue to advocate the protection of the rights of migrants, regardless of migration status; the recognition of migrants’ positive contribution to  development in both the sending and receiving countries; and the creation of programs which support families, especially children who are left behind,” said Secretary del Rosario.

Recognizing the timeliness and relevance of the theme "The Post 2015 Development Agenda: Setting the Stage” at the 68^th session of the General Debate, Secretary del Rosario said that “We must start setting the stage for the new development agenda which will succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) framework. Barely two years before its deadline, we still have considerable work ahead of us.” 

Secretary del Rosario, however, pointed out that to achieve meaningful reform and global sustainable development, “what we need now is a strong political impetus from all of us to make this happen. Governments must see beyond political differences, and agree to work together to ensure a global level playing field.”  In this regard, Secretary del Rosario said that “It is for this reason that the Philippines staunchly supports the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Goals.”

Secretary del Rosario also stressed that peace and security and adherence to the rule of law provided the enabling environment so that sustainable growth around the world can be achieved and emphasized the importance of addressing competing interests and managing conflicts through adherence to the rule of law. 

“My government’s approach in managing conflicts within and outside our borders is anchored on international law.  As such, we avail ourselves of the various means for the peaceful settlement of disputes, including mediation and arbitration, in accordance with Chapter 6 of the U.N. Charter. As declared by the General Assembly in its resolution 37/10 on the ‘Peaceful settlement of disputes between States,’ otherwise known as the 1982 Manila Declaration, the ‘recourse to judicial settlement of legal disputes should not be considered an unfriendly act between States.’ On the contrary, it is a measure that would generate clarity, benefitting all stakeholders. In this spirit, my country reaffirms its unwavering support for the International Court of Justice, and the various specialized tribunals, such as the dispute settlement mechanisms of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” said Secretary del Rosario. END

•The video of Secretary Del Rosario delivering his remarks at the General Debate accessed at http://gadebate.un.org/68/philippines