It doesn’t take a scientist to conclude that we live in one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Stronger rains, more intense floods, longer dry spells have significantly impacted our archipelagic nation, especially our coastal communities and agricultural sector, resulting in the loss of lives and billions of pesos in damages during natural calamities.

It is for this reason why the Philippine delegation at COP28, or the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, which will conclude today, Dec. 12, 2023, has highlighted the country’s qualifications to host the “Board of Loss and Damage Fund.”

The Philippine delegation, led by Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, also added that the country not only seeks to host but also expresses its desire to secure a seat in the inaugural Board of the Fund. She said that the Philippines is most qualified “for not only 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.”

“We are already host to UN entities, international and regional organizations, providing us the institutional capacity, expertise, and partnerships to ensure the successful hosting of the Board. We stand ready to offer our knowledge grounded in our long history and culture of human resilience,” said Yulo-Loyzaga.

The “Loss and Damage” mechanism, according to the United Nations, aims to identify ways to address and support those who suffer from climate change impacts, especially in developing countries that are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change such as the Philippines. The discussions often revolve around establishing a financial mechanism, known as the “Loss and Damage Fund,” to provide support for adaptation and recovery efforts in regions experiencing the most severe consequences of climate change. 

It is also defined in Article 9 of the Paris Agreement, which states, “developed nations are required to fulfill their prior commitments under the Convention by giving developing states financial support for their efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to it.”

“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,” the Secretary said.

“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.” 

Before concluding the national statement at COP28, Yulo-Loyzaga urged world leaders to “start moving forward with courage, unity, and determination toward a more resilient, equitable, sustainable, and prosperous global community.” 

She also asked them to set aside differences for the sake of the planet and all peoples. “A sustainable and resilient future for the generations to come can only be secured through collective actions.” 

With the conclusion of COP28, there are criticisms that it is “all talk, no action” but with the progress on the “loss and damage” mechanism, one bright spot is paving the way for international cooperation. And the Philippines is leading the way, even offering its expertise and experience to fight climate change one step at a time.

After all, no one benefits if one country succumbs to the effects of climate change, because in the grander scheme of things, we all live on just one planet.