The Philippines will benefit from hosting the Loss and Damage Fund Board, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“It is a great opportunity for us in the Philippines to really show na meron tayong kakayahan to host this,” Environment Undersecretary Noralene Uy said in news forum in Quezon City on Saturday.

“Tayo po ay magkakaroon ng voice for the climate vulnerable,” she said.

“Ito rin ay opportunity for the country to demonstrate na kahit year-in and year-out dumadanas ng disasters, especially on climate hazards, we are able to have sustainable development,” she added.

“Opportunity din na ang Philippines ay strategic location for international cooperation,” the official explained.

Earlier, the Philippines was selected to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund, the global finance mechanism to assist vulnerable states dealing with the effects of climate change.

The country won its bid during the second Loss and Damage Board meeting in Songdo, South Korea on July 9.

“I am proud to announce that the Philippines has been elected to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board, out of seven other contenders,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on his official X account.

President Marcos said hosting the board “reinforces our dedication to inclusivity and our leadership role in ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change shape the future of international climate policies.”

The Philippines’ offer to serve as the board’s country host was first announced by the Chief Executive as soon as the Fund was operationalized during the United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last year. PND