Senate lauds 10 Filipinos for working to eliminate chemical weapons

The Senate has adopted a resolution lauding the Filipino members of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for their extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

Based in the Hague, Netherlands, OPCW is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and has 190 Member States to date, who are working together to achieve a world free from chemical weapons. They share the collective goal of preventing chemistry from ever again being used for warfare.

It is currently overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons arsenal. OPCW was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize because it had, with the Chemical Weapons Convention, "defined the use of chemical weapons as a taboo under international law," according to Thorbjørn Jagland, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Sen. Lito Lapid, who introduced Senate Resolution No. 328, said the Filipino members of OPCW namely, Franz Ontal, Criselda Javelosa Van Dasler, Helen Andriessen, Gemma van Oudheusden-Vincoy, Jenniefer Balatbat, Allan Laroza, Royce1ynne Reyes, Mary Ann Nieto-Schtoor, Michael Conche and Emily Castriciones "exemplify the talent, skill, and intelligence of the Filipino thereby marking Filipino talent as truly international in caliber."

"The tireless and humble efforts of the OPCW as a global watchdog against chemical warfare has advanced the goal of eradicating the use of chemical weapons. The Nobel Committee has recognized and commended the continuing efforts and increasing success of the OPCW by awarding the institution with the Nobel Peace Prize for 2013," Lapid said in his resolution. (PILAR S. MACROHON)