Baku: In a historic move for global climate action, the Philippines signed the Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund on Tuesday at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. The landmark agreement positions the Philippines to host the Fund's operations, which is aimed at supporting vulnerable communities worldwide affected by climate change. According to Philippines News Agency, Environment Secretary and head of the Philippine delegation Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga expressed pride in this historic step, underscoring the Philippines' unique experience as an archipelago frequently impacted by natural disasters. She emphasized the country's deep and personal stake in ensuring that funds for responding to loss and damage become accessible to those who need them the most. Loyzaga stated that the Philippines is fully committed to ensuring the smooth, transparent, and effective operations of the Fund, with the sig ning of the agreement establishing the necessary framework and services for the Board to function in the country. The fund is seen as critical in addressing the worst impacts of climate change and crucial for affected communities to rebuild and recover. Loyzaga highlighted the recent string of tropical cyclones that have hit the Philippines, causing extensive damage to lives and livelihoods. She noted that the Philippines is experiencing a historically unprecedented series of extreme weather events, with multiple cyclones impacting the nation in a short span of time. The cumulative impacts on lives, livelihoods, properties, and ecosystems remain to be fully assessed as the government continues its response and relief efforts. Furthermore, Loyzaga conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s message to the parties, suggesting that the Philippines' experiences could serve as a baseline for understanding the urgent needs of climate-vulnerable nations. She mentioned that the Philippines might be a test case for the Fund in responding to the unique cumulative loss of lives and damage to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, roads, and essential systems. The Philippine delegation to COP29, according to Loyzaga, aims to advance four goals in climate finance, adaptation, and just transition, with the signing of the agreement as the fourth goal. She assured that the Philippines stands ready to deliver on this agreement as part of their global commitment to ensuring the most vulnerable can achieve resilience. Meanwhile, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev expressed gratitude to countries for reconfirming their previous pledges and urged more pledges to the fund to meet the urgent needs of climate change victims. Babayev stated that this progress would allow pledges to turn into real support, with funding expected to flow in 2025. The Philippines was chosen as the host country of the Loss and Damage Board in its second meeting in July 2024 in Songdo, South Korea. On August 28, 2024, President Marcos signed into law Republic Act No. 12019, known as the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act.