Duterte pushes for ‘sustainable, peaceful’ use of oceans, seas based on int’l law

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday told world leaders at the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing that the Philippines is working to improve ways to manage and protect its marine resources.

Duterte made the remark during his intervention at a leaders' roundtable meeting focused on promoting green and sustainable development aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

"As an archipelagic state, the Philippines seeks to improve our collective capacity to manage and protect marine resource," Duterte said.

"As channels of transportation and communication, and a vital source of sustenance and livelihood, our oceans and seas connect and sustain us," he added.

"It is thus our collective duty to promote their sustainable and peaceful use in accordance with international law."

The President went on to say that, in engaging international partners, the Philippines seeks to create synergy to ensure that initiatives are truly responsive to domestic needs.

"An open dialogue underpinned by trust and respect is key to this understanding. Doing so creates a strong sense of national ownership and accountability, thus ensuring success," Duterte said.

Finally, the President emphasized that "an effective belt and road cooperation should offer more than just economic returns."

"It must be an exercise of responsible and effective partnerships for inclusive and sustainable development," Duterte said.

The President made the statement amid rising geopolitical tensions between Manila and Beijing.

Nevertheless, Duterte stressed that the belt and road forum "presents an opportunity for the nations to explore avenues of mutually beneficial partnerships for inclusive sustainable development."

Earlier, Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon says Philippines will declare PAGASA islands as marine protected environment @gmanews

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) April 27, 2019

Duterte's speech came days after Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said the Philippines will declare Pag-asa Island as a "marine protected area."

Green goals

President Duterte gave assurance that the Philippines’ national development plans are aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

He told leaders at the forum that the Philippines is set to join the ranks of upper middle-income countries, and that it is projected to become the 25th largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity.

However, for Asia to remain an economic powerhouse, Duterte stressed that "growth and prosperity must be inclusive, equitable, and sustainable."

"My government will do all that is necessary to realize this vision. We will build strong partnerships with like-minded states, multilateral institutions, and other stakeholders that share our vision," Duterte said.

"Agriculture is an important driver of growth," the President added.

"This is why we welcome economic investments that will help us improve our economic productivity with the entry of relevant production and post-harvest technologies."

According to Duterte, the Philippines is aiming to "enhance cooperation in green technology" to accelerate our transition to low-carbon development pathways."

"We will also ensure our infrastructure systems should be clean and green. We will strengthen our policy framework for green financing in order to attract investments in renewable energy," he added. — MDM, GMA News