BANGKOK, Thailand—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has called on fellow leaders to adopt policies that promote a green post-pandemic recovery, citing the "insufficient' support to a green transition.
“My dear colleagues, 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 in his intervention during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) retreat session on Friday, Nov. 18.
"Economies must leverage this opportunity to recalibrate policies to promote a green post-pandemic recovery,” he stressed.
He then expressed support to the adoption of the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, which, he said, is a concrete initiative that will lead the Asia-Pacific region towards a sustainable future."
According to the President, the BCG Economy model aligns with his administration’s agenda to create green and quality jobs, ensure a level playing field for all members of the economy, and reduce vulnerabilities from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The BCG also aims to mitigate the scarring and future shock on the economy and tighten social cohesion by ensuring a well-distributed economic growth that benefits every household and that Philippine institutions remain responsive to the challenges posed by the current economic crises.
The Philippines, Marcos said, also cited the adoption of its Sustainable Finance Roadmap, which lays out a whole-of-government approach to promote sustainable finance and green policies.
“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.
On the same session, the President has asserted his position on climate change, saying their response is critical to the fate of the planet.
He said that "how economies respond is critical in determining the fate of the planet we live on and will pass on to our future generations.”