US-ASEAN Business Council Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(Manila, Philippines) - The US-ASEAN Business Council (the Council) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaborations on sustainability, climate change, green finance, and environmental protection.

DENR is the Government primary agency responsible for the sustainable management, conservation, development, and proper use of natural resources in the Philippines. This partnership is guided by the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) climate action plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision, and the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production (PAP4SCP).

Through this collaboration, the U.S. private sector and the Philippine government can support each other in the development of environmental initiatives as well as cooperate in identifying best sustainability practices and solutions that are consistent with global standards. Aside from addressing environment-related issues, the aim of the MoU is to aid in improving the country’s economic and social services in accordance with environmental, social, and financial goals. “We are looking forward to working closely with the private sector to build a more sustainable future and help each other face local and regional challenges that test our resilience.” DENR Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga stated.

In support of the Council and the DENR’s mutual interest in sustainability and energy transition, the MoU provides a wide range of collaboration opportunities in ​ the areas of biodiversity and ocean conservation, ecosystem restoration and resilience, climate change, disaster risk reduction management and capacity-building, science-based policymaking, green finance, waste management, sustainable supply chains, equality in the workforce, and, technology, innovation and information-sharing.

The MoU was signed on April 26, 2023 at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City, Philippines. The signing was facilitated by the Council’s Chief Representative Elizabeth Magsaysay-Crébassa, DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones Also in attendance were Atty. Ma. Margarita S. Lim and Angelica Takashima from the Council’s Philippine office.

This is the Council’s fourth MoU with the Philippine Government, following MOUs signed with the ​ Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).