Philippines: A middle-income country with a population of 109 million. According to the WHO, Philippines ranks 10th out of 21 ASEAN well-performing countries with 12.3 road deaths per 100.000 population. Philippines has acceded to 1 of the 7 UN road safety legal instruments.
During the mission, the Special Envoy met with the following officials to advocate for safer roads in the country and beyond:
• H.E. Mr. Jaime Bautista, Secretary of Transportation, Government of the Philippines;
• H.E. Mr. Kenneth G. Ronquillo, Undersecretary, Department of Health, Government of the Philippines;
• H.E. Mr. Serafin Baretto Jr, Undersecretary for Public Safety, Department of Interior and Local Government, Government of the Philippines;
• Lt. Gen. Mr. Thodel O. Sermonia, Deputy Chief for Administration, National Police of the Philippines;
• H.E. Ms. Michèle Boccoz, Ambassador of France in the Philippines;
• Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, Resident Coordinator in the Philippines; and other representatives from the UNCT;
• Mr. Ramon Ang, President and Chief Executive Officer, San Miguel Corporation
• Representatives from road safety NGOs in the Philippines;
• Representatives from private sector companies in the Philippines.
Moreover, the Special Envoy also participated in an event and discussion with the families and survivors of road crashes.
Lastly, the Special Envoy contributed to the ceremony for the signing of a memorandum of understanding on road safety between UNOPS and the International Road Assessment Program.