MANILA, Philippines – PORMAL na tinintahan ng Pilipinas at Singapore ang isang landmark agreement na lilikha ng legal framework para sa generation at paglilipat ng carbon credits.
Sinabi ng Singapore Embassy in Manila na maaari nang pakinabangan ng project developers ang kasunduan na ito na i-develop ang high-quality carbon credit projects na nakahanay sa Article 6 ng Paris Agreement.
Ang Carbon credits ay units na nakuha mula sa entities na nagtatanggal o nagbabawas sa greenhouse gas emissions.
Ang isang tradable carbon credit ay katumbas ng isang toneladang carbon dioxide o ang katumbas ng dami ng ibang binawasan na greenhouse gas.
Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ng United Nations Climate Change na ang mga kompanya o indibiduwal ay maaaring bumili at gumamit ng carbon credits para punan ang kanilang greenhouse gas emissions o simpleng suportahan ang climate action.
Winika naman ng Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry na ang pagpapahintulot sa adjusted carbon credits sa ilalim ng kasunduan ay maaaring gamitin para mag-offset ng hanggang 5% ng taxable emissions ng kompanya.
Sinabi ng Singapore, na “would then channel 5 percent share of proceeds from authorized carbon credits towards climate adaptation measures in the Philippines.”
Samantala, nilagdaan nina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna at Singaporean Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu ang kasunduan sa isinagawang Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Climate Week sa Maynila noong Abril 30, sa isang virtual ceremony.
Sinabi ni Cuna na ang pagpasok ng Maynila sa kasunduan ay “strategic decision,” and is grounded on national priorities, development goals, and “commitment to global climate action.”
Tinuran naman ni Fu na ang paglagda sa kasunduan ay ‘strong partnership’ sa pagitan ng Singapore at Pilipinas at kanilang commitment para i-develop at ipatupad ang regional at bilateral initiatives.
“This Agreement will deepen collaboration between our two countries, channel climate finance towards impactful projects in the Philippines and unlock new opportunities in carbon markets for businesses and local communities,” ani Fu.
“Together, ASEAN can lead the way in building a low-carbon future that delivers tangible benefits across the region,” aniya pa rin.
Samantala, sinabi naman ni Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See na mayroong “strong interest” mula Singapore companies sa Pilipinas, at tinitingnan ng embassy na makatrabaho ang mga Filipino partners upang makapagbigay ng magandang proyekto at investment sa merkado.
“The Philippines is one of the most mega-biodiverse countries in the world. It is richly endowed with natural capital, and the Philippine government has shown clear leadership and commitment to climate action. The Philippines is exceptionally well-positioned to be a major player in the global carbon market,” ang tinuran ni See.
“It is especially meaningful that this signing comes during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship, which underscores the Philippines’ leadership on climate action issues and the region’s growing focus on practical cooperation in sustainability and resilient growth,” aniya pa rin.
Sinabi ng embahada na “Projects facilitated under the deal will create more jobs in local communities, and drive innovation in the growing carbon market ecosystem.”
“The process for authorization of projects and eligible carbon crediting methodologies under the deal would be announced in due course,” ayon pa rin sa embahada. KRIS JOSE
