Marcos pushes Philippines-Australia partnership on climate change

MELBOURNE – President Marcos yesterday urged Australia to work with the Philippines on clean and renewable energy and measures aimed at addressing the effects of climate change that place food security and people’s livelihood at risk.

Speaking during the leaders’ plenary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Australia Special Summit here, Marcos said the Philippines remains at the forefront of the effects of climate change and is constantly facing the “harsh realities” of devastating typhoons and rising sea levels.

Such realities continue to threaten the Philippines’ biodiversity and ecosystems, and, in turn, its agriculture, food security and livelihood sources.

“These realities compel us to take bold and decisive actions, both domestically and in international fora, for climate justice,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the Philippines, which is visited by about 20 typhoons annually, welcomes Australia’s aim to boost clean energy, financing and investment in ASEAN and its support for clean energy transition to meet climate action goals. The Philippines, the President added, has taken concrete actions by implementing policies and initiatives to cut emissions by catalyzing investments in its rich renewable energy sources.

“We thus invite Australia to partner with the Philippines in our clean, green and renewable energy industry and other emerging technologies, and introduce energy efficiency and conservation measures,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos also hailed the outcomes of the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in Dubai last December, where countries agreed to form a loss and damage fund that would bankroll climate change-related projects.

“I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate our offer to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund,” Marcos said.

“Hosting the board in the Philippines would showcase global commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the most affected countries are heard and considered in shaping the most urgent of global climate policies.”

The Philippines has obtained a seat in the inaugural Loss and Damage Fund Board, giving it a say in the management of the funding for climate initiatives.

Marcos also urged Australia to keep on supporting the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity beyond 2024.

In the same event, Marcos reported that the Philippines has signed the second protocol to the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA). The protocol, which was signed by the trade department last February, seeks to respond to the “evolving multidimensional challenges” in the business environment and complement region-to-region efforts to enhance supply chain resilience, sustainable development and inclusivity.

The protocol contains new chapters on government procurement, trade and sustainable development and micro, small and medium enterprises.

“The protocol will indeed benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises inasmuch as it facilitates their participation in international trade by improving their access to markets and participation in the global value chains, as well as promoting the use of e-commerce,” Marcos said.

“With the momentum from the CEO Forum yesterday, and AANZFTA together with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, we are confident that we will usher in even more robust economic cooperation within our region and provide a legal framework for a more prosperous future.”

Marcos said the Philippines also welcomes Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, describing it as an elaborate plan that aims to broaden and deepen the economic ties between ASEAN and Canberra.

“The Philippines especially looks forward to expanding our collaboration on agriculture on food security, digital economy, infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare, sectors that are key to achieving a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure future for Filipinos and ASEAN citizens,” he said.