Kuala lumpur: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla vowed to advance regional cooperation on marine plastic pollution, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience in the upcoming ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which the Philippines will chair in 2026.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lotilla, in an interview with Bernama Radio on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, emphasized the Philippines' role as an 'enabler,' promoting inclusivity and science-based actions to address transboundary and regional environmental concerns. He urged ASEAN member-states to act collectively on climate and plastic pollution issues.

Lotilla highlighted the significance of the Philippines' upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN Community Vision 2045, stating that the region, despite being one of the fastest-growing in the world, faces significant risks from climate change. He stressed the importance of a regional approach to enhance each country's resilience against environmental challenges.

He also noted the opportunity to build on the foundation Malaysia has established as the current ASEAN chair, aiming for better implementation of existing action plans. The Philippines' priorities for its 2026 chairmanship include the post-2025 ASEAN Environment Plan and stronger regional action plan implementation.

As an archipelagic nation, the Philippines, alongside Indonesia and Malaysia, will focus on protecting ASEAN seas from plastic pollution. Lotilla pointed out the global concern over plastics, emphasizing the need for forward-looking measures and addressing past accumulations. He underscored the responsibility to preserve biological resources for future generations.