The Philippines is identified as one of the most at risk countries to disasters caused by climate change. The country experiences an average of 20 tropical cyclones every year, with eight to nine making landfall. In the last decade, rampaging tropical cyclones resulted in  Php 673.3 billion in losses and damages.

Because of climate change, the Philippines is also increasingly becoming exposed to longer and harsher dry seasons, invariably impacting economic activities and productivity due to effects on the health and well-being of Filipinos.

Beside me is a copy of the book, “The bases of our insecurity,” by Roland Simbulan, a noted U.P. scholar and nationalist. First published in 1985 at the height of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law, it is the former’s seminal work on the presence of US military bases in the Philippines. I have kept the book all these decades in reverence to the academically reliable Simbulan, and in reluctant anticipation of a time when I’d gingerly want to open its pages anew.  

Such a time has come today.

Good day my fellow Davaoeños,

I am addressing you today regarding the recent mass relief of our police officials ordered by Chief PNP General Rommel Francisco Marbil and implemented by Police Regional Office XI Regional Director PB General Nicolas Torre.

Davao City has earned a longstanding reputation for its commitment to peace and order and security for our people. This did not come by accident. It came about by a combination of political will, committed and dedicated law enforcers and, most of all, citizens’ cooperation.