Manila, Sept. 4 -- 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.

In an interview with Bernama Radio in Malaysia on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, Lotilla called the Philippines an "enabler," driving for inclusivity and science-based actions to address transboundary and common regional environmental concerns.

He said the Philippines would also urge ASEAN member-states to act collectively in addressing climate and plastic pollution issues.

"Next year, ...