MANILA – Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted the importance of global backing as the Philippines seeks to advance its position at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
During a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Yulo-Loyzaga expressed her hope that the integrated messaging and approach advocated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would garner support from other nations. She emphasized the importance of securing favorable climate financing and support during the negotiations.
Speaking via Zoom, Yulo-Loyzaga stated, “It is extremely important for us to be heard by other countries because what we are trying to do at this point is really to approach our climate resilience by twinning adaptation, mitigation, and a third leg, disaster risk reduction.”
Underlining the vulnerability of the Philippines to climate change, Yulo-Loyzaga noted the country’s recognition within the G77, a group of developing nations. The Philippines has achieved recognition for its work on oceans and biodiversity, and its representatives are set to speak at various panels and side events during COP28.
Yulo-Loyzaga mentioned that DENR has been requested to speak on topics such as oceans and climate, minerals and climate, and nature-based panels. The Philippines’ efforts in green shipping and supporting the reskilling and up-skilling of seafarers have also garnered acknowledgment.
She added, “There is recognition. I will be speaking at about 10 different side events on these different areas that they have recognized the Philippines to have made headway on.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to participate in COP28, where he aims to rally global support and urge nations to honor their commitments, particularly in climate financing. COP28 is deemed significant for the Philippines due to its vulnerability to the impact of climate change. (Presidential News Desk)
