Binay weathers scorching heat, heavy downpour in Pangasinan

DAGUPAN, Pangasinan – After experiencing extreme weather conditions during Earth Day here on Friday, Vice President Jejomar Binay Saturday pledged to work toward a climate-resilient and sustainable Philippines if elected president.

In his speech in Alaminos City, the vice president mentioned the rising temperature in the past days, noting that the heat index has reached record-high 52.3 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country earlier this month.

From the scorching heat during his motorcade, the opposition presidential bet also weathered through heavy downpour prior to the late night proclamation rally here in the municipality of Binmaley.

The thousands who were waiting for the vice president had to disperse because of the rainfall, but returned and warmly welcomed Binay when it stopped minutes before he arrived.

In his Earth Day message Saturday, Binay bared his plans on how he intends to run the country amid issues concerning climate change and the continuing destruction of the environment.

“We will rely on our abundant, God-given renewable power and dramatically reduce our reliance on polluting and economically volatile fossil fuel imports. Energy from the sun, wind, moving water, geothermal power, by-products in agriculture — on these resources will our economy be built, providing green jobs and powering a modern economy,” said Binay.

“We will implement measures to ensure that fishing communities and fish stock remain sustainable for years to come, that our forests and ecosystems remain healthy, and that our cities and people become resilient to an ever changing climate,” he added.

The vice president also stressed that he will ensure that the country will fulfill its commitment not just to the Paris Agreement but to current and future Filipino generations so they will continue to enjoy “a balanced and healthy ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

The Philippines Saturday joined other nations in signing the historic climate deal, which legally binds nations to work together on addressing issues concerning climate change, particularly on the rising global temperatures.

Binay arrived here in Pangasinan on Friday, two days before the third and last PiliPinas presidential debate scheduled Sunday afternoon.