Building on Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna's earlier call for a united ASEAN stance ahead of COP31, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged stronger regional collaboration on the climate crisis during the inaugural session of the ongoing ASEAN Climate Week.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for stronger cooperation with ASEAN to tackle the climate crisis at the inaugural session of the ASEAN Climate Week, a virtual event running April 27–May 1.
“ASEAN stands at the frontlines of the global climate crisis, as stronger storms, rising seas, prolonged droughts and devastating floods have become realities for millions across Southeast Asia,” Marcos said. “Confronting these challenges is our shared responsibility, and ASEAN has shown that through cooperation, we can overcome common problems with our collective purpose and resolve.”
Robert Borje, executive director of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), echoed the need to 'shift from fragmented responses toward more integrated and coordinated systems across the region' to address climate risks.
Meanwhile, eight areas in the Philippines hit 'danger' level heat index on April 28, per the state weather bureau, while the Department of Agriculture reactivated Task Force El Niño for better water management and farm support.
