Marcos: Climate change 'most defining' challenge of our time
(File Photo) Residents of Masantol, Pampanga have adapted to frequent flooding caused by a combination of altered waterways, fishponds that impede water flow, and land subsidence exacerbated by volcanic lahars from Mount Pinatubo. Modern development in flood-prone areas without adequate flood mitigation has increased the risk, while climate change has disrupted the historical cycles of flood and drought. To address these issues, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Measure in Pampanga Bay, funded by P7.57 billion from South Korea, which aims to improve flood resilience with extensive river network improvements and new infrastructure. Further infrastructure development and disaster risk reduction efforts are planned to enhance flood control in the region.
YUMMIE DINGDING
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said climate change is “the most defining and cross-cutting challenge of our time” during his address to the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. He noted that ASEAN is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, with half its population facing significant climate risks.
Marcos, whose administration hosts the Loss and Damage Fund Board, pledged to continue advocating evidence-based, investment-led and transformative climate solutions.
He also appealed to other countries for stronger financial support to help Southeast Asian countries to address climate change.
“In this regard, we urge ASEAN’s partners to scale up predictable, accessible, and adequate climate finance to enable ASEAN to realize its climate ambitions and safeguard the future of our communities,” he said.
The Philippines is hit by nearly 20 typhoons annually, with eight to nine making landfall and inflicting widespread damage to economies, livelihoods and families.
In 2024, the country hosted the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, convening delegates to share mitigation strategies.
In 2023, former DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga announced the Philippines had secured a seat on the Loss and Damage Fund board; a year later, the country was elected to host its board.