TACLOBAN CITY—The ambassador of France to the Philippines and Micronesia on Tuesday said that typhoon Yolanda-hit Tacloban City is in the center of the climate change conference happening in Paris.
“Two years ago, the world was in grief because of what happened here in Tacloban…this city is something of a symbol,” said Ambassador Thierry Mathou.
“At this moment, all the heads of states and governments representing more than 150 countries are gathered in Paris to find resolution, to fight against this climate change. So all the world is in Paris now and as a representative of the host country I wanted myself to be here in Tacloban,” Mathou said in his speech.
“Tonight, I would like to say that if we succeed at the Paris conference, what it means is that the road to Paris will go to Tacloban. We have to find a solution altogether, to fight against climate change…to fight with you, for you.”
According to Mathou, who was accompanied by his wife Cecile, Tacloban has the support of France in its fight for climate change.
“France is with you, the world is with you. You have many friends,” he said during his special travel to the city as he joined local leaders and residents in the official lighting of the giant Christmas tree at the city hall grounds.
“We are thankful with the leadership of the president of France for taking the cudgel and reminding the world of climate change and shared responsibilities among nations. As you can see here, something happened to us, they call as a ‘new normal,’” said Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez.