Marcos warns of looming ‘dark clouds’ of food security, climate change

BANGKOK, Thailand — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday called for improved economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific region, as he warned of the “dark clouds” such as food security, and climate change.

In a speech delivered during the APEC CEO Summit, Marcos called for collaboration and cooperation in the region to address structural and policy issues and avoid headwinds moving forward.

“Dark clouds loom large if we are not to be prepared. They loom on the economic horizon and now more than ever, our governments and economies must work closer and better together as partners in order to find that break in the clouds where the light of hope and progress can shine through these shocks,” he said.

“To prevent a situation from becoming a prolonged and self-perpetuating problem, we need to immediately address structural and policy issues with the objective of enabling rapid economic recovery and growth in a manner that creates jobs, includes more people into the mainstream, and reduces poverty and inequality,” he said.

Among the issues raised by Marcos are food security, global health systems, and climate change, which he said governments and the private sector should work hand in hand to address.

The Philippines, through its Department of Agriculture (DA), earlier this year warned of a looming food crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising fuel prices, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Price of food and non-alcoholic beverages have brought inflation up to a 14-year high of 7.7% in October, the fastest since the 7.8% in December 2008 during the height of the global financial crisis.

“Food security must be a top priority for all governments, and developing economies especially must have the policy flexibility needed to ensure an increase domestic food production and diversification, and to improve the local agricultural supply and value chain,” Marcos said.

Marcos also called for the reinforcement of global health systems, as he said the global economy can no longer afford another series of lockdowns and travel bans.

“Governments must continue to invest in pandemic preparedness and ensuring the resilience of a global health system,” he said, as he called for a global “One Health” approach to improve surveillance systems for diseases.

He also reiterated his call to address climate change, as he cited the need for “stronger action” in relation to the Paris Agreement.

“The Philippine government will work closely with the private sector to improve the resilience of people and businesses by leveraging the tools of sustainability, such as innovative supply chain systems, circular economy models for recycling and upcycling,” he said.

“We must have our sights set high for APEC and for all member countries, but whatever plans we may have for our countries for our economies, those who come to not unless they are within the context of this in the region and in the world,” he added.

Marcos arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday evening, accompanied by First Lady Mary Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos, where he is set to have at least six bilateral meetings.

He is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later during the day, where they are expected to discuss issues involving the West Philippine Sea. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News