Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua, as President of both the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and the United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), represented local and regional governments of the Philippines and the Asia Pacific at the Fourth Meeting of the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage held at the Philippine International Convention Center on 4 December 2024.
The Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage was established under the Paris Agreement and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to guide and oversee the implementation of financial mechanisms addressing the unavoidable impacts of climate change. With a composition of 26 members, the Board balances representation between developed (12 members) and developing countries (14 members), reflecting the global nature of the climate crisis and the need for equity in decision-making.
Speaking on behalf of communities at the frontlines of climate impacts, Gov. Cua emphasized the need for practical, inclusive, and efficient mechanisms to address climate-induced losses. Gov. Cua underscored the challenges faced by vulnerable regions, particularly in the Philippines. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality that has already overwhelmed the adaptive capacities of many communities,” he noted. He stressed that while adaptation efforts are necessary, they are insufficient without robust mechanisms to address losses and damages.
“Local governments are not just implementers of policies; they are essential partners in crafting solutions.”
Gov. Cua called for a global framework that prioritizes local and regional governments in responding to climate impacts, advocating for the principle of subsidiarity—the idea that decisions and resources should be brought closer to affected communities. He highlighted the systemic barriers that prevent local governments from accessing vital resources, emphasizing the need for streamlined processes and direct funding channels to enable timely and effective responses.
“We cannot overstate the importance of removing obstacles to local governments’ access to the Loss and Damage Fund,” he said. “Simplified application procedures, technical support, and targeted funding windows are essential for communities to address the crisis without delays. Every moment of inaction deepens the suffering of those on the frontlines.”
Gov. Cua also recognized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership in advocating for the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, calling it a vital step toward climate justice. He proposed a dedicated funding mechanism within the Fund to support civil protection systems, which he described as critical for ensuring coordinated responses between local and national governments.
“Local governments are not just implementers of policies; they are essential partners in crafting solutions,” Gov. Cua emphasized, urging the integration of local and regional authorities into global governance mechanisms like the Warsaw International Mechanism and the Santiago Network.
The Governor called for a whole-of-governance approach to address Loss and Damage effectively, noting that the global community must prioritize equity and inclusivity in crafting solutions.
This proposal at the Fourth Meeting of the Board for Responding to Loss and Damage brought to light the critical importance of local and regional governments in addressing climate crises. The establishment of a more accessible Loss and Damage Fund, coupled with mechanisms for direct engagement of local actors, is a step toward equitable and efficient responses. This Fund must ensure that those closest to the impacts—local governments—are also closest to the solutions, enabling them to act with the urgency that the climate crisis demands.
