PBBM prods Japan on carbon neutrality

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged Japan to continue its support for achieving carbon neutrality to ease the impact of global warming on disaster-prone communities.

During his intervention for the first session of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan Commemorative Summit in Japan, Marcos underscored the importance of climate action in conjunction with biodiversity management, green technologies, and a circular economy.

The Chief Executive also emphasized the growing significance of the blue economy in the Philippines' environmental strategy.

The blue economy is a term used to describe the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

"We call on Japan to support efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality to reduce the effects of global warming, which will benefit our disaster-prone communities," Marcos said.

"We also call for climate action as we promote biodiversity management, green technologies, and circular economy, and the blue economy has also become an important part of that formula," he added.

Marcos also threw his full support for the Asia Zero Emission Community Summit, calling it a crucial step towards a sustainable future for the region.

"It is in this light that we wholeheartedly welcome Japan's initiative to hold the Asia Zero Emission Community Summit (on Monday)," Marcos said.

Furthermore, the President reiterated the Philippines' commitment to the outcomes of the recent 28th Session of the Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC (COP28) in Dubai, particularly the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund.

He also expressed the Philippines' willingness to host the headquarters of the Fund's Board.

Marcos also underscored the crucial role of trust in maintaining peace, especially amidst a turbulent geopolitical landscape marked by "disruptions" and breaches of international law.

He cited the recent ballistic missile tests by North Korea and unilateral actions in the East and South China Sea as examples of threats to regional stability.

"We cannot overemphasize that trust is the basis of peace, a trust based on deeds and not merely words," Marcos said.

"Japan has proven to be ASEAN's trusted, constant, and reliable partner in maritime security and cooperation, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief," he added.

Marcos likewise expressed optimism for continued collaboration on critical issues like climate change, marine environment protection, disaster relief, and cybersecurity.

 He further announced that the Philippines and Japan will co-chair the ADMM Plus Experts' Working Group on Maritime Security from 2024 to 2027, highlighting their shared commitment to regional maritime security.

The ceremony also acknowledged the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, where a military junta continues to suppress the democratic aspirations of its people.

Marcos reiterated ASEAN's commitment to supporting Myanmar's peaceful transition through the Five Point Consensus and other international mechanisms.

Marcos explained that Myanmar is still part of the Southeast Asian bloc.