By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, Nov. 18 reaffirmed his support for policies that will nurture the green post-pandemic recovery as countries thrive to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My dear colleagues, as the world emerges from the downturn caused by the pandemic, it is evident that recovery has been uneven— perhaps even I would go so far to say it has been inequitable and insufficiently supportive of a green transition. Economies must leverage this opportunity to recalibrate policies to promote a green post-pandemic recovery,” Marcos said in his speech during the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) Retreat Session.
“It is for these reasons that the Philippines welcomes and supports the adoption of the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, which is a concrete initiative that will lead the Asia-Pacific region towards a sustainable future,” Marcos added.
According to the Chief Executive, the BCG economy lines up with his administration’s goals in creating green and quality job.
The BCG economy also aims to alleviate the scarring and future shock on the economy and strengthen social bonds by ensuring an equal economic growth that will benefit the Filipinos and the country as it will remain responsive to the challenges caused by economic crises.
The President also announced the adoption of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap that states a whole-of-government approach that advocates finance and green policies.
The current administration’s socioeconomic priorities are to advance the Green Jobs Act and the foundation of the green jobs certification system and incentive schemes.
Marcos stressed that they “actively support the adoption of innovative and sustainable supply chain systems circular economy models” which will be an aid in collecting non-biodegradable wastes for recycling and upcycling.
“We actively support the adoption of innovative and sustainable supply chain systems and circular economy models that can systematically collect non-biodegradable packaging and agricultural and industrial waste for recycling and upcycling,” he added. – gb
