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Philippines, EU sign deal on Green Economy
By Nidz Godino
"On development cooperation, we committed to conclude agreement on Green Economy Program in the Philippines, grant worth 60 million euros, which aims to support Philippines in areas such as circular economy, renewable energy and climate change mitigation," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.said in his speech following his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Malacañang Philippines and European Union signed agreement for 60-milion-euro Green Economy Program, which aims to support Manila in various areas, including circular economy, renewable energy and climate change mitigation.
Green Economy Program in Philippines (GEPP) is flagship project of EU's Global Gateway.launched in 2021, aimed at contributing to development of emerging markets and developing countries, which are EU partners, particularly in fields of digital technology, energy and environment.
Von der Leyen is in the country for two-day visit on invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Two leaders met during EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium in December last year.
This was first ever visit of European Commission president to the Philippines.
Joint Declaration on Green Economy Program was signed by EU Ambassador Luc Veron, head of delegation of European Union to Philippines, and Environment Secretary Maria Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga during von der Leyen's visit to Malacañang
"Global Gateway is EU's investment plan for the world for sustainable infrastructure…we want to partner with you on this path, we will provide financing expertise and access to technologies to support you in transition to circular economy and generation of green energy team Europe, that is European Union and member states will contribute almost half billion euros into this green initiative" von der Leyen said in her speech.
EU is also supporting Philippines' fight against climate change and extreme weather events, with its "eyes in the sky" or Copernicus satellites, she said.
"We're currently setting up so-called Copernicus data mirror site within Philippine space agency… we have just signed agreement to boost flow on Earth observation data," she said.
This is first in-space cooperation in Asia, according to European Commission president.
Regional bloc will also assist Philippines into becoming digital hub in the region, von der Leyen said.
"Global Gateway will also play crucial role here, and European companies are ready to come and invest in the Philippines," she said.
EU will launch this year digital economy package for the Philippines.
"We will work together on fast and reliable connectivity with submarine cables on cybersecurity training, and on deployment and development of 5G," she said.
She said EU is working on possible extension on submarine cable that it plans to build between Europe via Arctic to Japan. This cable, she said, could go all the way down to Southeast Asia.
"And we believe that it could go via Philippines that would give you strategic position on infrastructure that could be instrumental, both for your prosperity and national security…we will stay in close contact on this," she said.
She said EU sees Philippines' great potential in clean and digital economy.
"So, let us start by identifying projects that we want to develop , your local mining industry, supporting your communities and that contributes to secure global supply of critical raw materials," she said.
GEPP will "support Philippines' transition to green economy by mobilizing additional funding from European Union member states, European financial institutions, and European private sector to support green economy transition, while generating local value, quality and decent jobs, and lasting growth."
They also agreed to sustain technical education and skills development to enhance human capital and build skilled "green" workforce capable of driving sustainable development in the Philippines.
Moreover, initiatives on capacity-building for Philippine institutions, including local government units (LGUs), to enhance governance and institutional capacities in implementing policies and programs supporting green economy will likewise be pursued.
Both sides also agreed on sharing information on best practices and innovations toward improving resource use efficiency, minimizing waste generation, and scaling up renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Joint declaration added there should be "investments in climate change adaptation, mitigation and environmental protection measures, including development and transfer of green technologies and innovations," among other relevant cooperation areas which may be later agreed upon.
European Union is ready to work with Philippines to strengthen maritime security in Indo-Pacific, Der Leyen renewed EU's support for Manila's 2016 arbitral victory against Beijing over South China Sea issue.
Der Leyen met with President Marcos at Malacañang , first ever visit of an EC president to the Philippines. Her visit ends today.
Two leaders met during EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium in December 2022.
In speech following her bilateral meeting with FMJ Von der Leyen said EU has been very supportive of free and open Indo-Pacific.
"Because Indo-Pacific free of threats of coercion is key to all our stability to our peace, and to prosperity of our people, EU underlines 2016 award of arbitral tribunal on South China Sea is legally binding, and that it provides basis for peacefully resolving disputes between parties" she said.
China continues to ignore July 12, 2016 ruling of The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which affirmed Philippines' exclusive economic zone in West Philippine Sea and nullified Beijing's claims over almost entire South China Sea.
"We are ready to strengthen cooperation with Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing information, conducting threat assessment and building capacity of your national CoastWatch center and your Coast Guard," Der Leyen said.
She said security cooperation is imperative, as global geopolitical landscape has become "volatile" and "more threatening."
She said authoritarian leaders have shown readiness to act on their threats, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which she said "shakes foundation of the international order."
"It is in violation of UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law, such as territorial integrity and sovereignty… this is why Europe supports Ukraine's brave fight against aggressor…because illegal use of force cannot be tolerated, not in Ukraine, not in Indo-Pacific," she said.
Von der Leyen noted security in Europe and in Indo-Pacific is indivisible.
"Challenges to rules based order in our interconnected world affect all of us…our societies pay through higher energy bills through higher food costs…this is why we are concerned about rising tensions in Indo-Pacific," she said.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier agreed on Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano's proposal to hold caucus to discuss resolution authored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros urging government to call out Beijing's aggression in West Philippine Sea before United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
FMJ, in an interview with Philippine media in Kuala Lumpur on July 27, however, appeared not inclined to bring West Philippine Sea issue before UNGA.
"I mean of course senator Hontiveros is free to file whatever resolution she wants but I do not know how that would translate to any action that will reach United Nations General Assembly," FMJ said.
Philippines, under administration of FMJ, has filed total of 97 diplomatic protests against China's presence and activities in West Philippine Sea, including 30 lodged this year, Department of Foreign Affairs had said.
Since FMJ assumed office, Philippines has filed 67 notes verbale and 30 diplomatic notes.
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