The Philippines is "most qualified" to host the historic Loss and Damage Fund Board, a Cabinet official said.

Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga stressed that the country is qualified to host the board not only for being a living testament to the effects of climate change, but also with its abiding interest in promoting equitable and just rules in the governance of the global commons.

Loyzaga made the remark in her national statement during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

“Our national footprint in the history of negotiations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, as well the High Seas or BBNJ Agreement bears witness to our abiding interest in promoting equitable and just rules in the governance of the global commons,” Loyzaga said.

“Our commitment to multilateralism, strengthened international cooperation and global solidarity remains steadfast, recognizing that no single country can tackle the complexities of climate change alone,” she added.

Loyzaga also emphasized that the Philippine delegation continues to champion the cause of climate justice during the COP28 in Dubai by upholding the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibility and by ensuring urgent and responsive means of implementation in terms of capacity building, tech transfer and financing to developing countries.

She added the Philippines also seeks to advance the values of the country’s biodiversity and oceans as the source of nature-based solutions to climate crisis and to serve as the foundation for inclusive and resilient development.

“In our country, we have taken concrete actions by implementing policies and initiatives to reduce emissions by catalyzing investments in our rich sources of renewable energy, enhancing resilience, advancing right-skilling and social protection, especially for the most vulnerable, to achieve a just transition, and mainstreaming climate considerations into our development plans and budgets,” Loyzaga said.

“We are right now in the final stages of completing our NAP and NDC Implementation Plan as our guides to investing in a secure and sustainable future. We have also actively engaged in advancing climate action, disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts across the Asia-Pacific region and with ASEAN,” she added.

The Secretary reiterated the Philippines’ bid to host the Board of Loss and Damage Fund, adding that the country is also seeking a seat in the inaugural Board of the Fund.

Hosting the Fund in the Philippines will showcase global commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the most affected countries are heard and considered in shaping the most urgent of global climate policies, she said.

Loyzaga further said that the country is already host to UN entities, international and regional organizations, which provide institutional capacity, expertise and partnerships to ensure the successful hosting of the Board.

The Philippines, she added, stands ready to offer its knowledge grounded in its long history and culture of human resilience.