President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his administration’s commitment in prioritizing the environment through climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives as he called for cooperation among all stakeholders.
In his speech during the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Wednesday, Marcos stressed the need for shared responsibility for environment protection and preservation.
“As your President, I assure you that our environment and our country’s resiliency and adaptation to the new normals of climate change are on top of the national agenda,” he said.
“We ensure that the initiatives we will take will enable us to become smarter, more responsible, more sustainable in all that we do,” he added.
Marcos said the three-day forum will generate productive discussions that will harmonize DENR’s policy agenda under the current administration, as the country heads towards a greener direction.
“Along with the outcomes of this forum, I expect that we will be able to accelerate the DENR’s mission of mobilizing our capacities and resources to preserve, conserve, and manage our environment,” he said.
“I also expect this forum to lay down a strategic direction to maximize the use of the country’s natural wealth and to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
The chief executive commended the DENR for organizing the event which serves as an avenue for inclusive discussions on the environment.
He also expressed confidence that the dialogues will result in a strengthened collaboration between stakeholders and the DENR in crafting and implementing policies and programs towards climate, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
“Victory will not come by defeating a visible enemy. It will come in certain moments when we can see that we are gradually averting a global crisis that we have attended to the difficulties that our people will face because of the onset of climate change,” he said.
“And triumphant will we be when we realize that our children will have clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and lands and oceans not only to explore but also to responsibly harness for their sake and for the good of all Filipinos and for all humanity,” he added. AG – gb
