It is important that the Philippines' climate change agenda is heard by other countries given its vulnerability to its effects.

Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, who will be leading the Philippine delegation at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai in lieu of President Marcos, said that she hopes that the integrated messaging and the approach being pushed by Marcos will inspire other nations to back the Philippine position as they negotiate for favorable climate financing and support.

“I think it is extremely important for us to be heard by other countries because what we are trying to do at this point is really to approach our climate resilience by twinning adaptation, mitigation and, I should say a third leg, the disaster risk reduction, and that will involve the social, economic, environmental and scientific efforts of our whole of government,” Loyzaga said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

“What we have managed to do under this administration, because the President is one of those who have actually really supported the integration of climate into the different policy areas of the different departments and he understands the link between climate, biodiversity, pollution and sustainable development. These integrated messaging and the integrated approach that we are trying to now marshal as a country, we hope will inspire others as well,” she added.

Loyzaga cited how crucial the support the country would get considering that it is highly vulnerable to climate change, and it is actually part of G77, a group of developing countries.

The Philippines, the DENR chief said, has so far achieved some recognition on this, even on its work on oceans and biodiversity.

The country’s representatives will be speaking at a number of panels while at COP 28, as well as on side events of other organizers during the climate conference.

“And particularly, they have asked DENR, myself, to speak on oceans and climate, on minerals and climate, especially this is a group that is led by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, or EITI and, of course, a number of nature-based panels as well and, of course, in the innovative financing that needs to go into this work related to loss and damage and adaptation,” she explained.

“And so, there is recognition. I should add one particular effort that is also recognizing the work that’s being done in the Philippines, and it is the work on green shipping and how we might be able to support the reskilling and up-skilling of our seafarers and those working in the energy sector,” she said.

Marcos, who was supposed to leave the country for Dubai on Thursday, Nov. 30, cancelled his trip due to developments involving the 17 Filipino seafarers taken hostage in the Red Sea.

The President said he entrusted Loyzaga to lead the COP28 delegation and articulate the country's statement on his behalf.