UNITED Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren admitted that it was a challenging task between the UN and the Philippines to resolve the complexities of humanitarian and development,
“The Philippines and the UN have made great strides together in surmounting some of the most complex humanitarian and development challenges. While we look back and celebrate our successes, we also look forward and stand even more committed to work hand in hand toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” Almgren said during the UN Day observance on Monday night jointly led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and UN.
DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., for his part, assured the UN that the Philippines, under Duterte administration, will adhere to due process and strict observance of the rule of law.
“In the war against drugs, we stand firm in our adherence to due process and strict observance of the rule of law,” Yasay said.
“Our actions are predicated on the general welfare of the Filipino people, which we can never compromise. With lessons from history, we will always be looking after our interests first and foremost especially for the benefit of millions of Filipinos left behind as victims of numerous inequalities resulting from outdated economic and political structures,” the Foreign chief added.
He said that one of the biggest problems of the country, that needed to be addressed soon, are corruption and criminality.
“Rampant corruption, worsening crime situation and widespread use of illegal drugs seriously imperil our society, break apart our families, and impede our sustainable development goals,” Yasay said.
With Duterte’s war against drugs, Yasay claimed that the Filipino people “are now inspired by a resolve to work on urgent problems and needs while discarding old paradigms that have not been useful in their struggle for a better quality of life”.
The Philippines is one the founding members of the UN. Along with 49 other countries, it was among the first signatories of the UN Charter in June 1945.
In the 71 years that have passed since then, the Philippines has been a very active member of the United Nations, contributing to peace and security, development and humanitarian action at the global level.
In the Philippines, the partnership has led to a reduction in the percentage of Filipino families living below poverty and malaria-related deaths by half.
The number of undernourished households, underweight children and the mortality rate of children under five have also decreased significantly, while access to safe drinking water has reached 80 percent.
In more recent decades, UN and the Government have been tackling humanitarian crises, strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities and fighting climate change.
Yasay assured that the Philippines will continue to engage the international community within the framework of the guiding principles of the UN and according to its time-honored processes and protocols.
The DFA chief then asked the UN, in return, to be “an important platform through which nations can think through our common challenges and problems and act collectively for effective measures and solutions”.
“Furthermore, we see the need to free ourselves from double standards, which only leave the weak at the mercy of the strong,” Yasay added.