Germany willing to work with PH on climate disaster fund, envoy says

Germany has expressed willingness to work with the Philippines on the Loss and Damage Fund that aims to address the impact of climate change. 

This was pronounced by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her courtesy call with President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday.

She said addressing climate change is where bilateral ties between the Philippines and Germany could be strengthened.

''This is also something which we believe can be a next step in our cooperation on the climate issue, even mentioning the loss and damage fund. This is really dear to my heart because I was doing a lot of policy beforehand. We said we have to do something about loss and damage,” Baerbock said. 

She also mentioned the interest of big German companies in investing in the Philippines' renewable energy sector.

Baerbock said this would involve discussions on raw materials and skilled labor, 

''This is really a field where it’s a win-win situation or even a triple win situation for employees, for workers, also for our countries,'' she said. 

Marcos, for his part, expressed gratitude to Germany for its willingness to help the Philippines in addressing climate change as he stressed that the country has been a vital partner in this area. 

To recall, Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga disclosed that the Philippines has garnered a seat on the board of the Loss and Damage Fund. 

Marcos earlier said allowing the Philippines to host the Loss and Damage Fund would symbolize inclusivity and will also ensure that the needs of the countries most affected by climate change would be addressed. —VAL, GMA Integrated News