President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has commended Ormoc City for emphasizing initiatives that address natural hazards and climate change, saying it could help the government raise awareness about what he called an "existential issue."

Marcos said this as he graced the 75th Ormoc City Diamond Charter Day celebration on Thursday, October 20.

In his speech, the President hoped that the local government of Ormoc City would bind its people and sustain its programs and projects primarily geared to achieving food security, energy supply, and the change in the global climate.

"It is likewise commendable that you have given emphasis to initiatives that address the vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change," he said.

Marcos noted how the Philippines is vulnerable to typhoons and other calamities, so Filipinos must be wise in using the country's natural resources.

"Kailangan natin isipin nang mabuti kung papaano natin babaguhin ang ating pamumuhay. Kung papaano natin babaguhin ang ating mga ginagawa upang tayo naman ay masagot natin itong global warming na nararamdaman natin (We need to think of ways how we can change our lives so we can find a solution to global warming)," he said.

"Tayo ay napaka-vulnerable tayo diyan sa mga problemang ganyan. Kaya’t lahat ay kailangan nating gawin para alagaan natin ang ating environment (We are vulnerable to these problems so we have to find a way to care for our environment)," he added.

"Alagaan natin at maging conscious tayo sa ating paggamit ng mga natural resources dito sa Pilipinas. Dahil kung hindi tayo mag-ingat ay mauubos natin lahat (We need to preserve and be conscious when wse our natural resources otherwise we'll run out of them)," he continued.

President Marcos said with the implementation of your Local Climate Change Action Plan 2016-2025, Ormoc City is able to help the executive branch of government deliver its mandate to boost civic engagement and raise public awareness.

Marcos reiterated that climate change is the most "existential" crisis that humanity must face together because of its adverse effects.

"Ito ang una, kauna-unahang global na problema na talagang global. Bakit talagang global? Dahil bawat tao sa buong mundo ay nararamdaman ang mga effects of climate change (This is the first global problem. Why global? Because everyone feels the effects of climate change)," he said.

"Kailangan natin ang tulong ng bawat isang tao sa buong mundo (We need everyone's help). That is why it is the most existential, the first global crisis that we need as humanity have to face together," he added.

Marcos said by developing and utilizing renewable energy, local governments can help minimize the negative impacts of fossil fuels.

"I look forward to these advancements that will yield bounties beneficial to the environment, our economy, our people," he said.

In his speech at the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last month, President Marcos lamented the inaction of highly industrialized countries on climate change issues, saying the people in the least responsible countries suffer the most.

"Those who are least responsible suffer the most. The Philippines, for example, is a net carbon sink. We absorb more carbon dioxide than we emit. And yet, we are the 4th most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change," he said.

"This injustice must be corrected, and those who need to do more must act now," he added.

According to Marcos, countries like the Philippines accept their share of the responsibility and will do their part to avert climate change. However, industrialized countries must step up.

"We call on the industrialized countries to immediately fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable and developing countries to lead by example," he said.