Korea offers financial, tech assistance to RP

The Republic of Korea, through its Ministry of Environment is offering technology and financial assistance support to the Philippines, for establishments of projects that will help minimize the effect of climate change.

In an interview with Byung-Wook Lee, vice minister for Ministry of Environment—Republic of Korea, he said that the Korean government is willing to provide support to environment related projects in the Philippines.

He urged the private sector and local government units (LGUs) here to present proposals to the Korean government foreign assistance agency or the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

This will include support of projects especially for environmental management, water supply and resources initiatives, among others.

In fact, he mentioned that the government of Korea is now supporting a US$118 million for water supply and sewerage project in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA).

The first phase of the project to build water system involves a US$52 million support from Korean government. The phase 2, is the US$66 million for the sewerage infrastructure.

Lee, was in Cebu recently to participate the 8th Asia Pacific Roundtable for Sustainable Consumption and Production (APRSCP).

Aside from financial support, he said the Korean government is also willing to impart technology-transfer initiative in the Philippines, specifically in projects which are geared towards harmonizing climate change and business economic growth.

He said LGUs could apply to KOICA to present a project proposal, that it will be reviewed by the agency, for approval.

In Korea, the government is serious in implementing a "Green Growth" campaign, which is an approach that harmonizes economic growth with environmental sustainability. Sound policy concept is being adopted to create a "win-win" synergy between environment and economy.

In Korea, he said the government is providing incentives for companies, which are shifting into "green operation" system.

While this concept is not yet implemented by the Philippine government, he said private sector plays a very vital role in helping the harmonization of economic growth and climate change in this side of the world.

"Government can not do everything," he said adding that Philippine-based companies must have their serious initiative in transforming their operations to join the world-wide "Green" campaign.

"Intention to change to 'green operation' must come from the private sector," he said although government's push also plays a very critical role.

Korea is now leading the Seoul Initiative on Green Growth campaign which provides a regional cooperation framework for Green Growth. – Ehda M. Dagooc