QUEZON CITY, Nov. 12 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte cut short his attendance to the 37th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to conduct an aerial inspection of several areas that have been badly affected by the onslaught of Typhoon 'Ulysses' (international name: 'Vamco') that included Montalban, Marikina, and Pasig.

In his televised nation address, the President vowed immediate assistance to affected communities and assured the public that government agencies have already been mobilized to respond to the situation on the ground.

"As President, I guarantee you that your government will do its best to provide assistance in the form of shelters, relief goods, financial aid and post-disaster counseling," President Duterte said.

The President noted that government's security forces and rescue teams have the tools and equipment to help people in disaster areas.

Touting new government assets, he said the Coast Guard and the Navy will use their vessels to rescue people, while Air Force's air assets are ready to be dispatched.

In his statement, President Duterte made a renewed call on local government units (LGUs) and other agencies to exhaust all resources in ensuring that "the well-being and safety of our people remain the top priority".

He also appealed to Filipinos to help each other through bayanihan.

Meanwhile, in his remarks to ASEAN leaders, President Duterte underscored the further enhancement of cooperation in the area of disaster risk reduction management among the ASEAN Member States to reinforce the capacities both at the national and regional levels.

"More than two weeks ago, the Philippines was battered by Typhoon Goni - and if I must tell you, we are now suffering in the midst of the storm of Typhoon Ulysses. There is a great damage and I may not be around to attend further in this regard for I have to go around and see what I can do for my people," said President Duterte.

"With timely disaster preparedness measures, we were able to save many lives. But the typhoon left a trail of destruction in infrastructure and property. This represents a setback for our development agenda, particularly in the affected regions," he said.

He also urged regional leaders to demand climate justice from developed countries by reducing their carbon emissions.

"We must amplify our voices to demand climate justice from those most responsible for this existential challenge we face today. Developed countries must lead in deep and drastic cuts in carbon emissions. They must act now, or it would be too late. Or if I may say addedly, it is too late," President Duterte said.

President Duterte also demanded developing countries to deliver their commitment to finance and invest in innovative solutions in developing countries.

"This is their moral responsibility from which there should be no escape. Otherwise, it would be great injustice - a double blow to those who bear the brunt of the adverse consequences of their past actions and present inactions," he maintained that developed countries should act now because it is too late as countries like the Philippines have been taking the brunt of climate change. (MTQ/PIA-IDPD with information from PCOO)