MANILA, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario called the "Yolanda" tragedy "one of the most difficult times" in the country's history in addressing the international community on Tuesday.
Del Rosario, facing the United Nations Flash Appeal event for victims of super typhoon Yolanda, said that while the Philippines is used to having natural disasters due to its location, the recent catastrophe is unprecedented.
"I am speaking to you during one of the most difficult times in my nation’s history. The Philippines is no stranger to natural disasters and yet the magnitude of the destruction wrought by typhoon Yolanda ... is in a scale so massive from both a humanitarian and financial standpoint that I cannot even begin to compare with previous natural disasters," he said.
Del Rosario, like many observers, attributed Yolanda's intensity to climate change, emphasizing the country's position amid the worldwide campaign to minimize its effects on humanity.
"[The Philippines] is concerned that most actions of the international community are focused on mitigation as opposed to adaptation. The latter being the Philippines’ priority," Del Rosario said.
He urged world leaders to start shifting the approach to the changing atmosphere, saying that even aggressive policies may not address the climate change's impact.
"While deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions may buy time for human and natural systems to adapt in the decades ahead, we must also begin dealing with the unfolding impact of climate change now," the country's top diplomat added.
Del Rosario also expressed the country's gratitude to the incoming relief and aid from various nations for the recovery of typhoon-hit areas.
"We look forward to our continued partnership with the UN as we address the needs of our countrymen affected by the disasters, including those affected by the massive earthquake in Bohol and Cebu two months ago, even as they recover and reconstruct their lives," Del Rosario said.
Del Rosario to UN: 'Yolanda' among most difficult times in history
A file photo of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario speaking before a United Nations assembly. AP/Frank Franklin II