Preparations are well underway in anticipation of Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. potentially attending the 28th UN Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, according to a cabinet member.
“We are waiting for guidance and instructions from the Office of the President. As a government agency, we always prepare for any decision, so it is best for us to assume the necessary preparations,” Climate Change Commission Sec. Robert Borje stated during a press conference on July 2.
This comes following an invitation extended by UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pres. Marcos on June 13.
The letter of invitation was formally presented by UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al Zaabi, during a courtesy visit to Malacañan.
Sources told The Filipino Times that Pres. Marcos was thrilled during Ambassador Al Zaabi’s visit, particularly when shown photos of the Philippine flag projected onto the iconic Burj Khalifa on June 12, in commemoration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day.
A baller of connection
Al Zaabi also presented Pres. Marcos with a COP28 wristband, which the latter proudly wore on several occasions following their meeting.
This symbolic wristband represents solidarity among leaders, igniting a collective drive towards global climate action.
The UAE leaders first sported the baller during their meeting in March 2023.
COP28 serves as the pivotal decision-making body of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where member nations convene to review climate change progress and negotiate new commitments.
TFT has spotted instances of Pres. Marcos wearing the COP28 baller during various engagements, underscoring his commitment to the high-level global climate agenda:
1. Aerial inspection of Mayon Volcano
A day after his meeting with Ambassador Al Zaabi, Pres. Marcos proudly wore the COP28 baller during an aerial inspection of the Mayon Volcano on June 14.
The UAE was the first country to extend assistance to the families affected by the volcano’s unrest in Albay province, delivering over 50 tons of humanitarian aid.
Pres. Marcos expressed heartfelt gratitude to the UAE government, acknowledging their timely support for the victims of the volcanic eruption. He stated, “Thank you very much. I cannot overstate my appreciation for the UAE’s swift assistance to those affected by the eruption of our volcano.”
The food relief landed in Albay last June 12. It was turned over by Ambassador Al Zaabi to Philippine officials including Interior and Local Government Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr.; DILG Usec Marge Gutierrez; Social Welfare and Development Sec. Rex Gatchalian; Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista; and other local government heads in Albay province.
2. Evacuation center visit in Guinobatan, Albay
While visiting an evacuation center in the Municipality of Guinobatan, Albay, for residents affected by the Mayon Volcano, Pres. Marcos was also seen wearing the COP28 baller.
During his visit, he engaged with local residents, offering support, and distributing government aid and family food packs.
3. Meeting with local farmers in South Cotabato
Pres. Marcos also donned the COP28 baller during his visit to South Cotabato.
He inaugurated a rice production program, met local leaders, and spoke at the Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City, while extending government aid to local farmers.
4. Tour of KNP outlet in Koronadal City
During an inspection visit to the new Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) branch at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Pres. Marcos continued to sport the COP28 baller.
His visit aimed to support local farmers, fishermen, and entrepreneurs by inspecting their high-quality products, which are sold at affordable prices.
PH, UAE presidents on the phone
The meeting between Pres. Marcos and UAE Ambassador Al Zaabi was swiftly followed by a phone conversation between Pres. Marcos and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on June 23.
During the call, Pres. Marcos expressed his gratitude to the UAE President for pardoning three convicted Filipinos, two of whom were on death row and were already serving their sentences in the emirates. However, the conversation also touched upon Pres. Marcos’ pending attendance at COP28.
Preparations for Marcos’s visit to the UAE underway
CCC Secretary Borje said that preparations are already in progress should Pres. Marcos decide to join COP28 in the UAE.
Borje emphasized the significance of the President’s attendance at COP28.
“I believe the phone conversation between the presidents is an indication of the value given to Pres. Marcos’s leadership and the recognition of his commitment to climate justice and working with international partners,” Borje said.
The UAE and the Philippines have numerous areas to collaborate on and advance,” he added.
Marcos’ climate change advocacy
The Global Climate Risk Index 2021 ranked the Philippines as the fourth-most affected country by extreme weather events. In response in June 2022, shortly after assuming office, Pres. Marcos made a strong commitment to prioritize climate change issues during a speech at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
He pledged to implement resiliency measures in crucial sectors such as water supply, sanitation, energy, transport systems, agriculture, and food production. These efforts align with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), a long-term strategy integrated into the national development plan until 2028.
Increased budget for climate change programs
Pres. Marcos also demonstrated his commitment to climate action by increasing the funds allocated for climate change programs by approximately 48 percent this year.
The chief executive emphasized that climate action is of utmost importance to the Philippines, considering the country’s status as “one of the most, if not the most, vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of climate change.”
