The Philippines has gained the commitment of the European Council on climate change mitigation and its support in addressing seafaring industry-related issues.
Malacañang said this was among the matters discussed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and European Council President Charles Michel in their bilateral meeting on Dec. 13 on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (ASEAN-EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium.
According to Marcos, Michel agreed with him on the need to operationalize the green fund on climate change and the damage and loss policy.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was designated as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
It aims to encourage the paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development by providing support to developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) while at the same time adapting to the effects of climate change,
"We couldn't agree with you more," Michel told Marcos, referring to the latter's pitch at the ASEAN-EU working luncheon for more concrete funding guidelines on mitigating climate change damage and loss.
Michel also said the EU is ready to work with the Philippines and ASEAN on climate change, particularly on the transfer of green technology, which involves improving resilience to climate change and reducing GHGs.
The chief executive also got an added boost of support in the country's bid to address issues in its seafaring industry—one of his top agenda of his visit to Brussels.
He said the country "will kick the can on the road" in order to prevent at least 50,000 Filipino seafarers employed by Europe-based shipping companies from losing their jobs.
The country has been flagged by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) for deficiencies in seafarer training and education and risks being banned if they are not immediately addressed.
In response, Marcos ordered the creation of an advisory board to address deficiencies identified by EMSA in the Philippine seafarers' education, training, and certification system.
WATCH: President Marcos and European Council President Charles Michel held a bilateral meeting in Brussels, Belgium on Dec. 13.
Michel was the one who invited Marcos to Belgium to participate in the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/Zd6JViA6PG
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) December 14, 2022