Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said on Monday, August 5, that the Philippines can reach out to more experts on climate change to address challenges such as flooding now that it's a host to the United Nations’ Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board.
During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Imee Marcos raised the question of how can tapping international experts help the country in dealing with climate change particularly when it comes to flood control management.
She mentioned that one of the possible advantages of hosting the board is the improved capacity-building and network avenues for the Philippines so that it can plug into international expertise in dealing with climate change.
She added that she's heard Rotterdam and Amsterdam volunteered to help the Philippines.
"Will this in any way make life easier for us? So that we can access their tremendous expertise in this regard," Marcos said.
Loyzaga said that the Philippines, within "limited success", has been able to access scientific expertise and the addition of being the host of the board would bring a new dimension to the country's personality that would strengthen its ability to reach out to work with other organizations as well as other bilateral countries so that it can access the scientific and technical capacity to deal with the local challenges in terms of climate change.
"We are now wanting to broaden as much as possible, the access to this 'best science' and the ability to access technology and innovation. Therefore, this additional recognition as part of the host for the board will actually assist," she added.
Marcos stated, however, that billions are being spent to improve the flooding situation in the country to no avail or very little purpose.
Marcos raised the issue that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is "entirely bereft" of a national master plan in terms of flood control management. She then asked for the purpose of reaching out to experts if they will not be participating in creating plans.
"So will this LDF help us? Because the national greening program has been cut so severely," Marcos said.
Loyzaga said that in terms of building awareness and access to expertise, she expressed her belief that the added dimension of being host to the board will give the country some additional "gravitas" in reaching out to different countries as well as organizations in terms of expertise.
On July 8, 2024, the Philippines was selected as the host country of the Board. She said part of the Philippines’ commitment is to confer juridical personality and legal capacity as well as grant privileges and immunities to the Board.
“The Philippines’ extensive involvement in the creation of the Board is a testament to the country’s advocacy for climate justice and equity,” Marcos said.