Marcos calls for ‘green’ post-pandemic recovery

BANGKOK – President Marcos has urged regional leaders to push for measures promoting a green post-pandemic recovery, saying the response of governments to environmental problems is crucial in  “determining the fate of the planet.”

Speaking during the retreat session of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders yesterday, Marcos lamented what he described as the insufficient support for a green transition and cited the need for quality jobs and inclusive growth.

“As the world emerges from the downturn caused by the pandemic, it is evident that recovery has been uneven – perhaps even I would go so far to say it has been inequitable and insufficiently supportive of a green transition,” Marcos said.

“Economies must leverage this opportunity to recalibrate policies to promote a green post-pandemic recovery,” he added.

Marcos said the Philippines welcomes and supports the adoption of the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG), describing it as a “concrete initiative” that would lead the Asia-Pacific region toward a sustainable future. According to the APEC website, the BCG model aims to apply science, innovation and technology to promote the efficient use of resources, maintain and restore ecosystems, and reduce waste to build a system where government and business can thrive. It also seeks to address economic shocks and ensure a well-distributed economic growth beneficial to every household.

Marcos said the model is in line with his administration’s goal to generate green and quality jobs, ensure a level playing field for enterprises, and lessen vulnerabilities to COVID-19.

The Philippines has also adopted a sustainable finance roadmap, which adopts a whole-of-government approach to promote sustainable finance and green policies, he added.

“We actively support the adoption of innovative and sustainable supply chain systems and circular economy models that can systematically collect non-biodegradable packaging and agricultural and industrial waste for recycling and upcycling,” the President said.

Marcos cited the Philippines’ socioeconomic priorities related to the model, including implementing the Green Jobs Act, establishing green jobs certification system and incentive schemes, developing the green workforce, and issuing green bonds for its infrastructure program.

“We actively support the adoption of innovative and sustainable supply chain systems and circular economy models that can systematically collect non-biodegradable packaging and agricultural and industrial waste for recycling and upcycling,” Marcos said.

Globalization impact

Marcos also urged his fellow leaders to act on environmental challenges caused by globalization.

“How economies respond is critical in determining the fate of the planet we live on and will pass on to our future generations,” the President said.

Marcos said APEC economies should work together to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth as the world confronts an apparent economic downturn and recession risks. Such a move is in line with the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, which seeks an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, he added.

Marcos, who has described climate change as “the most pressing existential challenge of our time,” said the effects of globalization on the environment have become “more acute” requiring a strong, immediate and coordinated international action.

MSMEs and logistics sector

At the same event, Marcos reiterated his call for the narrowing of the digital divide to allow disadvantaged segments, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take part in the digital economy,

“They continue to face systemic problems and structural challenges, heightened by the pandemic. MSMEs need opportunities and assistance to recover, to grow, and to progress in the post-pandemic and digital age,” Marcos told economic leaders.

Marcos said MSMEs, the biggest providers of private sector jobs in the Philippines, need to adopt e-commerce to become more efficient in using digital solutions and approaches.

“This is in addition to facing complex challenges that going digital presents such as data privacy [and] cybersecurity issues, lack of digital infrastructure, digital fraud, online consumer protection concerns, digital inclusion and access to finance, and the persisting digital divide, among others,” he said.

Marcos also called on APEC leaders to tackle the challenges confronting the region’s shipping and logistics services.

“Shipping and logistics services are the backbone of global trade and investment and yet, we have not paid them ample attention,” he said. –  Sheila Crisostomo, Helen Flores