#Part of the solution

As we mark the 10th anniversary of supertyphoon Yolanda today, November 8, it is time to reflect on how far the Philippines has come from then, not only in terms of science and technology and on building back better, but on decisively being part of the solution to the climate crisis.

This is the transformative approach to resilience that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself has taken, and which makes us all proud to serve on his Cabinet.  Personally, I am proud to serve under a president who understands the inextricable links between climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development. He places utmost importance on confronting the realities of climate change, and positions the Philippines front and center in the fight against it. Recognizing the long-term risks inherent in the intersections between our physical and social geographies, we join other populations at risk in the demand for collective climate action. We are determined to make a difference with nature-based, science-informed and technological solutions honed by our experiences and expertise.

At the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last year, the President called for a united global effort to address the “greatest existential threat of our time.”  He also challenged developed countries to fulfill their obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement on mitigation, deliver support to adaptation in developing countries through additional and needs-driven climate financing, and the new Loss and Damage Fund.

This vision has accelerated the completion of the Nationally-Determined Contribution Implementation Plan and the National Adaptation Plans. Both will now guide climate action policies embodied in the Philippine Development Plan. Both aim to deliver transformative actions for a just transition towards a green and blue economy. These actions ensure that new respectable and high quality jobs are created and our shift to renewable energy is supported whilst safeguarding our ecosystems to sustain the needs of generations to come.  

The Philippine Government, our negotiators and scientists and civil society organizations have been on the frontline of the climate crisis for decades.  Yolanda was a turning point where lessons on adaptation and loss and damage were even more forcefully driven home. The Philippines has since intensified its mission by shining a light on the adverse impacts of climate change on human security, and consequently on human rights. We were among the first group of countries that brought this matter to the attention of the world community.

Thanks to that bold direction, we are a leading voice in the clear global consensus on the impact of climate change on human rights.  As a fruit of this endeavor, the UN Human Rights Council in 2022 established a Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. Mr. Ian Fry of Australia, the first to carry this mandate, is in the Philippines this week for a country visit. Being one of his first hosts, we reaffirm our intention to contribute significantly to more informed discourse on this critical issue. 

Serendipity has brought him here during Yolanda’s commemoration. I hope he will appreciate the gains made by investing in prevention and preparedness, as well as in recover and reconstruction. These have been made through competent, committed and visionary leadership and evidence-informed multi-stakeholder cooperation. Valenzuela City and Iloilo City are two specific examples of coastal urban areas that have institutionalized and integrated climate action into socio-economic development programs. Led by their local governments, they implemented climate-smart shelter, social protection and sustainable livelihoods by strategically formalizing public-private partnerships and working with academe and civil society.  These ensure greater efficiency, accountability, transparency in building climate and disaster resilience.

Our footprint on empowered climate action at the regional and international levels is well-recognized. To promote our vision of a climate-responsive and resilient Philippines, and working closely with the international community, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) recently concluded a new Sustainable Cooperation Framework with the UN that mainstreams climate action in joint activities at the country level. Cooperation on climate action and disaster risk reduction are critical areas of our relations with bilateral partners.

At the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last September, I had the honor to co-chair with Secretary Manalo and the International Organization for Migration a Ministerial Asia-Pacific Roundtable on the nexus of climate, the environment and migration. We will continue to support this important conversation relating climate change, mobility and displacement in the context of the UNFCCC, at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP 28) in Dubai later this month.  

Furthermore, the Philippines will host an Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in April 2024 in Manila.  Investing in climate and disaster resilience will de-risk development pathways for our communities. The conference will build a share understanding of these risks through the sharing of knowledge, experiences and good practices. These include advances in science and technological innovations such as our impact-based early warning system and digital platforms that are being developed by our Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Most importantly, evolving programs of the Department of Social Welfare on the delivery of financial services, humanitarian support and anticipatory action for communities at risk will be among the highlights of the Philippines contribution to APMCDRR 2024. We likewise look forward to learning from our neighbors in the region, especially from the robust risk management systems of the Pacific Island states.

All these point to a renewed sense of national and international solidarity and purpose on an issue that transcends borders and generations.  Rather than have climate change defeat us, we must resolve to be part of the solution to the climate emergency.  The Philippines stands firm in our commitment to lead the response to this challenge and to investing in national and global equity and climate resilience. There can be no other way forward.

(Toni Yulo-Loyzaga is secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources)