PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said addressing the climate crisis is a “collective responsibility” of all nations, with developed countries playing a bigger role in global efforts to mitigate its risks and effects.

“Addressing climate change is our collective responsibility and developed countries should play a bigger role in global efforts to mitigate its risks, its effects, its damage and loss. Developing countries are more vulnerable, lose more when these climate shocks hit and have fewer resources to cope with the adverse effects of these shocks,” Marcos said in an intervention speech at the 41st ASEAN Summit Retreat.

According to the President, the ASEAN can address these challenges by strengthening its cooperation mechanism on environmental sustainability and holistic green economic strategies.

The Philippine leader raised the need to enhance climate resilience by “using new agricultural technologies” to solidify food security cooperation and food self-sufficiency in the region.

“We need to shift our paradigm from the old, traditional farming methods to climate-smart agricultural systems, to better shield us against the ongoing adverse effects of climate change,” said Marcos.

The Chief Executive added that caring for the environment and ensuring the Philippines’ resiliency and adaptation to the new normal of climate change are on top of the national agenda of his administration.

“The measures we seek to undertake hopefully will enable us to become smarter, more responsible, more sustainable in all that we do,” Marcos said.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco