Marcos to seek support from ASEAN members on Loss and Damage Fund bid —DFA exec

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. will ask support from other ASEAN members as regards the Philippines' bid to host the board of the climate disaster fund called “Loss and Damage Fund,” a foreign affairs official said Monday. 

''Well, yes, not only the two of them, but all of the participants of the meeting, ASEAN-10 plus Japan and Australia, and we’re battling for the chance to host iyong board for the Loss and Damage Fund," DFA Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said at a press briefing when asked if the President will seek support from other nations. 

He said Marcos would participate in the Asia Zero Emission Community, which is a separate regional organization composed of ASEAN, Japan, and Australia. 

He noted that this would be an opportunity for the Philippine government ''to request for support for our bid to host the board of the Loss and Damage Fund board.''

Marcos earlier said allowing the Philippines to host the Loss and Damage Fund would symbolize inclusivity and will also ensure that the needs of the countries most affected by climate change would be addressed.

Earlier, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the Philippines is “most qualified” to host the Loss and Damage Fund because it is a living testament to the effects of climate change.

Loyzaga said the country aims to advance the values of its biodiversity and oceans as the source of nature-based solutions to the climate crisis and to serve as the foundation for inclusive and resilient development.

To recall, this new fund will help poor nations cope with costly climate disasters.—AOL, GMA Integrated News