MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte, believing that “another big one” will come, has warned that the coronavirus pandemic will not be the last to affect the world.
“COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic. The next big one will come and it will just be a matter of ‘when.’ We must have effective early warning systems, as correctly pointed out by (Indonesian) President Widodo, and timely response mechanisms,” Duterte said in his intervention in the 15th East Asia Summit through a virtual meeting with other leaders Saturday.
Globally, the COVID-19 cases have grown to 53.9 million with 34.7 million recoveries and 1.31 million deaths as of yesterday.
Nationwide lockdowns have been implemented in most countries in Europe where COVID-19 cases spiked while the daily cases in the US have already breached the 140,000 mark.
Laboratories and pharmaceutical firms around the world are racing for a vaccine, with some now conducting clinical trials.
Duterte said vaccines should be made accessible to all nations—rich or poor.
“We seek support from our partners for the ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases and the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies. We must also deepen regional economic integration. It brings the most benefit to the greatest number of people,” he added.
The Chief Executive looks forward to the conclusion and swift implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement which, he said, should “take care of the most vulnerable in our societies, including migrant workers as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them disproportionately.”
He also called for enhanced cooperation in promoting and protecting the rights of migrant workers, regardless of their status.
“Second, we want to live in sustainable and resilient communities. But this will be unattainable unless we fight climate change decisively,” the President said, citing the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
As he urged the partners to recommit to climate action and lead the way towards net zero emissions, Duterte called for increased climate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building in the region so it could have a fair chance to develop and progress.
“Climate change is not just a matter of survival. It is equally a matter of justice,” he further said.