Reaffirming the Philippines’ position as a proactive leader in the global climate transition, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a keynote address at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) today. Speaking at the “Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure” dialogue, the President detailed a comprehensive roadmap for the nation’s shift toward renewable energy, nuclear safety, and science-driven sustainability.
President Marcos highlighted a series of aggressive policy reforms designed to attract international investment and fast-track the country’s clean energy goals. Key initiatives include:
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Fiscal Incentives & Streamlined Regulations: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles to empower developers.
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Innovative Financing: The utilization of Green Bonds and the Renewable Energy Trust Fund to bridge the infrastructure gap.
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Strategic Partnerships: The President lauded the $15 billion agreement with Masdar, the UAE’s flagship renewable energy firm, which is set to develop up to 10 gigawatts of capacity in the Philippines.
A cornerstone of the President’s address was the recent signing of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act. This historic legislation establishes the nation’s first comprehensive legal framework for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. “This provides a stable and predictable environment for scientists and industries to innovate safely and responsibly,” President Marcos stated. “It signals the Philippines’ readiness to deepen science-driven cooperation with global partners.”
The President emphasized the Philippines’ growing influence in international environmental science, citing the hosting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) forum on using nuclear technology to combat plastic pollution.
Looking toward the future, the President previewed the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairship under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” He pledged to prioritize:
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Climate Resilience: Strengthening regional cooperation against natural disasters.
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Digital Transformation: The responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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Inclusive Growth: Ensuring that the green transition creates high-quality “green jobs” and leaves no community behind.
President Marcos closed his address by inviting the international community and civil society to collaborate on a “brand of development that is impactful, scalable, and inclusive.” His appearance at ADSW reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to being a central hub for sustainable innovation in Southeast Asia.
