THE Philippines is hosting the Fourth Meeting of the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, a pivotal event underscoring the nation’s commitment to global climate resilience. The meeting, held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, marks a significant milestone in the Fund’s operationalization.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga warmly welcomed delegates on Monday, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable nations.
“It is a moment of pride for the Philippines to host this fourth meeting of the Board, and the first in our country since being selected as the host nation,” Loyzaga remarked during her opening address. “This meeting is particularly significant as it comes at a crucial stage in the Fund’s establishment and operationalization.”
Leadership in Climate Action
Loyzaga highlighted recent milestones demonstrating the Philippines’ dedication to climate action. These include President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act No. 12019, or the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act, granting the Board juridical personality and legal capacity, as well as the signing of the Host Country Agreement (HCA) during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“The decades-long journey to establish the Fund was hard-fought and firmly grounded in the resilience quest of the most vulnerable countries,” she stated, noting the Philippines’ personal stake as a climate-vulnerable nation.
The Secretary also referenced the unprecedented six successive extreme weather events the Philippines faced between October and November this year. “The Philippines serves as a living laboratory for current and future risks, as well as a test case for the powerful impact of this climate crisis,” she explained.
Loyzaga called for timely access to adequate resources, stating, “Our cumulative losses and devastation highlight what climate-vulnerable developing countries endure, but they also demonstrate the capacity to recover when equipped with the right tools and support.”
Focus on Resilience and Collaboration
Throughout the meeting, discussions centered on refining the Fund’s operational systems. Key topics included adopting a bottom-up, country-led approach to strengthen national responses to loss and damage, improving governance mechanisms, and ensuring equitable allocation of financial resources.
The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to the survival and prosperity of all nations through investments in risk-responsive social services and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Global Support and Progress
Loss and Damage Fund Board Co-Chair Jean-Christophe Donnellier expressed gratitude to the Philippine government for its efforts. He praised President Marcos for enacting critical provisions that enabled the Board to operate in Manila effectively.
Donnellier also announced that pledges to the Fund had reached USD 731 million, with contributions from Australia, Luxembourg, Sweden, New Zealand, and the Walloon region of Belgium.
“This meeting represents a critical step forward in global climate action, and the Philippines has set a strong example in its leadership,” Donnellier concluded.
As the world faces increasingly severe climate challenges, the Fourth Meeting of the Loss and Damage Fund Board highlights the urgent need for global cooperation and decisive action.