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MANILA, Philippines – With new global challenges in the wake of the Paris attacks, President Benigno Aquino III encouraged increased unity among countries.
On Monday, January 12, at the annual Vin D’Honneur, Aquino emphasized the importance of working together to solve global problems such as terrorism, citing the latest attack by extremist Islamists in Paris.
“In facing the problems common to all of us, it has become clear that we can no longer look at complex issues and situations with a parochial mindset. Now, more than ever, the truism of the saying, ‘United we stand, divided we fall,’ comes to the forefront,” he said.
“We are responsible for our world and its future. Whether in combating climate change and its effects, or in fighting inequality, or in taking a stand against terrorism and instability: the time to act is now.”
Aquino made the statement before the diplomatic corps and Philippine government officials.
The President recalled the challenges of 2014, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, weather patterns affected by the global climate change, the rise in the price of oil, pandemics such as MERS-Corona Virus and Ebola, and acts of terrorism such as those in Pakistan, Australia, Canada and “most recently in France.”
But Aquino said it was encouraging to see the worldwide response to the problems.
“Instead of being daunted or wallowing in fear, we have chosen to hope. Instead of being divided by hatred, we have chosen to stand together and link arms, in order to alleviate the suffering and despair of others,” he said.
He also cited the Philippines’ own experience in receiving worldwide help in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan and Hagupit – for which he said he would always be grateful.
“We can work together: each person and each country doing its part to collectively solve all these issues. Or we can think only of ourselves, thereby allowing these challenges to grow more convoluted, and more insurmountable until we are all consumed by them,” he said.
PH’s time
In response, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto praised the government’s work in addressing challenges, including how it has dealt with 2014 typhoons with an “an effective response of prevention, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of victims.”
Pinto also hailed the government’s efforts in working towards peace in Mindanao, adding 2015 is a big year for the Philippines with the Pope’s visit and its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference.
“Both events will give the world the opportunity to know more of the Philippines and the amazing creativity of its inhabitants. This year, the Filipinos will not only be connected to the world-wide web as netizens, they will actually be active players and protagonists,” he said.
The Vin D’Honneur takes place biannually at Malacañang Palace, one in January to mark the New Year, and the second on June 12 to celebrate the anniversary of Philippine Independence.
The term means “wine of honor” in French, an event that gives high government officials, members of Congress, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and business and social circles the chance to socialize in the Palace.
Aquino, like his mother former president Corazon Aquino, receives guests in the Music Room before they are escorted to the Rizal Ceremonial Hall. Aquino then joins the assembled guests where he delivers a speech and offers a toast. – Rappler.com
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