MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stressed the need for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states to unite in disaster response mechanisms across the region, especially in preparation for the effects of the looming Super El Niño.
Speaking at the 20th Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Lapu-Lapu City, Teodoro expressed his sympathies to member states affected by recent natural calamities.
“I would like to express likewise our sincere sympathies to our fellow member states who have been affected recently by natural calamities which have grown more frequent, severe, complex, and unpredictable in recent years,” he said.
On behalf of the Philippines, Teodoro thanked fellow member states for the assistance they have given to the country when it faced severe natural calamities.
“For our part, we remain deeply grateful and committed to preserving the solidarity which you have extended to the Republic of the Philippines and for the assistance offered sometimes even before we could ask,” he said.
As the world braces for the effects of the Super El Niño, the defense chief stressed the need for stronger cooperation to mitigate the expected aftermath of the phenomenon.
