Aquino back from Japan visit, cites gains during summit

(Updated 9:58 a.m.) Just before dawn Sunday, President Benigno Aquino III returned home from Japan, where he took part in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit.

Aquino said he met with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed key issues affecting Japan and the Philippines, radio dzBB reported.

During the summit, Aquino and Abe witnessed the signing of key agreements including Japan's loans and aid grants for the rehabilitation of areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda.

Aquino also reported how he called for an international mechanism that will address climate change to prevent a repeat of the devastation caused by Yolanda.

“Hinimok natin ang ibang mga bansa upang pumanday ng isang patas at makatarungang mekanismo na tutugon sa mga hamon ng nagbabagong klima,” he said.

Aquino in particular pointed out how more developed countries should take up a bigger burden in ensuring that the environment we share is protected.

“Bukod sa larangan ng relief at disaster response, kailangan ding maging mulat ang lahat, lalo na ang mga bansang may mga industriyang maaaring malaki ang kontribusyon sa pagkapinsala ng kapaligiran. Iisa lamang itong mundong pinagsasaluhan natin,” he said.

Aquino also took time to thank the Filipino community in Japan for extending aid to those affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

“Naka-deposito na po sa NDRRMC ngayon ang ayuda nilang nagkakahalagang 1 million yen, na pinag-ambag-ambagan nila mula sa sarili nilang mga bulsa,” the President said.

The President also voiced support for the strengthening of women's role in society.

Also he said that during the summit the Philippines, Japan and other Southeast Asian countries called for freedom of the air and sea, in the face of recent regional tensions with China.

Aquino and the Philippine delegation left for Japan Last Thursday. — a report from Patricia Denise Chiu  /DVM/LBG, GMA News