MANILA, 8 June 2021 — Guests from the Department of Education (DepEd) will gather to raise awareness and advocate for mental health and wellness, to protect and promote the well-being of learners and personnel in times of pandemic on the 48th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “TAYO Laban Sa Pandemya: Tulong. Alaga. Yakap. Oras.” The episode title is adapted from one of DepEd’s mental health wellness programs.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 10 June 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. The episode will also be streamed through the official Facebook Page of DepEd at facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH.   Joining the online conversation are Director Ronilda R. Co and Ms. Joan Grace Llamado from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Ms. Maria Fe G. Manuzon from the Division of Nueva Ecija; Marchelle dela Cruz from Cabiao Senior High School; and Francis Paulin from Buanoy National High School to share and discuss the department’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) and other programs aimed at protecting and promoting the well-being of learners and personnel in times of pandemic and disasters.   The DepEd-DRRMS has been providing mental health and psychosocial support to learners and personnel affected by disasters or emergencies since 2016. It acknowledges the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic to the whole DepEd community: for learners, who now adapt to distance learning, isolated from their teachers and friends; for teachers, who are reimagining how education should be done; for personnel, who are working for learning and public service continuity despite the pandemic and quarantine; and for the families, who continue to support learning in the face of anxiety and uncertainty.   DepEd also recognizes that COVID-19 has the potential to create a long-lasting and deep-seated “second pandemic” of mental health crises, bringing forth a generation afflicted with mental and psychosocial difficulties.   The upcoming episode will highlight the experiences of learners and personnel who benefitted from the DepEd MHPSS programs in the hopes of promoting and protecting mental health and wellness in the new normal.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 7 June 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) commits to integrate migration as a key theme in policy discourse, and to develop migrant-centered policies and programs as more and more Filipinos are forced to migrate due to the climate crisis.   A report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines, Framing the Human Narrative of Migration in the Context of Climate Change: A Preliminary Review of Existing Evidence in the Philippines, identified farmers and fisherfolks, women, older persons, and the urban poor as the most vulnerable to climate impacts due to slow and rapid onset events, physical constraints to move, and low capacities to adapt.   The report particularly sheds light on the state of environmental migration in the Philippines, engaging the cities of Manila, Malabon, Iloilo, and Davao, as well as Samar Province, in the community consultations conducted for this report. The areas were selected due to their high exposure and vulnerability to climate impacts.   Jerome Ilagan, Chief of the CCC Policy Research and Development Division, said that “This is a long fight against the climate crisis. All institutions must unite and have the collective resolve to really ensure that across generations, we create champions from the communities. Our government is all prepared in terms of policy and programming support mechanisms and this IOM study is a policy-support decision tool. We know that the road towards resilience may be long and bumpy, but if we are together knowing that our mission is to make sure that no one is left behind, we will survive and thrive in this era of climate change.”   The report defined an environmental migrant as “persons or groups of persons who, predominantly for reasons of sudden or progressive change in the environment that adversely affects their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their habitual homes, or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move either within their country or abroad.” It also provided an initial framework for in-depth policy research on climate migration, building on the existing evidence on migration and climate change in the Philippines strengthened by interviews with local governments and vulnerable sectors and communities who have been impacted.   The climate emergency worsens the already vulnerable geographic status of the Philippines and brings about more, extreme weather events, rising temperatures, sea level rise, heavy rainfall, and drought.   The physical effects of sea-level rise include inundation of low-lying areas, erosion, saltwater intrusion, increased risk of flooding, and storm surge damage. Such exposure and high vulnerability affect migration patterns in the country.   Municipalities and cities located along coastal areas are projected to be directly impacted and submerged by sea-level rise and inundation in only three decades. And according to the report, there are already 5.4 million Filipinos occupying land whose elevation is below the annual flood level.   This scenario leads to not only substantial socioeconomic losses of coastal structures, but also displacement of the population and forced shifts in livelihood sources and strategies. As people forge new ways of living, they also face increased vulnerabilities.   During the launch of the report on June 4, the CCC expressed its commitment to enhance efforts to respond to the immediate needs of affected populations while ensuring migration is utilized as a tool towards sustainable adaptation and risk mitigation for those affected by climate change.   The report, developed in partnership between IOM and CCC, can be accessed through this link: https://philippines.iom.int/sites/philippines/files/documents/Framing%20the%20Human%20Narrative%20of%20Migration%20in%20the%20Context%20of%20Climate%20Change_0.pdf.

MANILA, 4 June 2021 — In celebration of World Environment Day (June 5) and Philippine Environment Month (June), the Climate Change Commission (CCC) urged households and citizens to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, including reducing and avoiding single-use plastic consumption, in order to help heal and protect our ailing environment and planet.   June was declared as the Philippine Environment Month, by virtue of Proclamation No. 237, s. 1988, to raise environmental consciousness among Filipinos. With the theme, “Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom (Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan),” this year’s celebration aims to draw attention and create a united movement for the Earth’s restoration, by reimagining a better world, reviving the strength of rivers, oceans, and coasts, and rethinking plastic use.   The CCC stressed that the country’s massive plastic consumption—with sachets alone, at 164 million pieces daily—and high plastic leakage to open environment has led to the Philippines being cited as a top plastic polluter in our oceans and lands. The climate body also noted that plastics are petroleum products and therefore contribute to global warming and climate change due to the extraction and burning of fossil fuels throughout their life cycle.   In order to encourage citizens to practice sustainability and lead a more environment-friendly lifestyle, the CCC recommended the following initiatives that individuals, households, and communities could pursue:   Growing your own food or patronizing local, plant-based, and in-season produce; Considering energy and cost-efficient transport modes, like walking and biking; Practicing energy conservation measures, such as using low-wattage appliances, unplugging electronics, and converting to LED light bulbs; Contributing to efficient waste management system by segregating waste, recycling products, and composting food scraps; Refusing and avoiding single-use plastics, such as plastic straws and plastic labo and sando bags by using eco-bags and containers; and Conserving water by collecting rainwater or reusing laundry water for other chores.   The CCC said that the observance should serve as a reminder of our relationship with nature and our responsibility to take better care of our ecosystems, habitats, and biodiversity and ensure a safe, thriving, and healthy future for all and the generations to come.

Setting up refilling stations could be one of the solutions to address throw-away culture and plastic pollution.  Photo from the presentation of Ms. Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines. MANILA, 4 June 2021 — The 47th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” series with the topic, “Uniting Against Single-Use Plastic” featured representatives from big civil society organizations advocating for the phase-out of single-use plastics (SUPs) and calling for the immediate passage of the proposed Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Bill to dramatically reduce the dangerous effects of unnecessary plastics on people’s health, the environment, and climate.   The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda featured guests Froilan Grate, Regional Coordinator of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and President of Mother Earth Foundation; Atty. Gloria Ramos, Vice President of Oceana Philippines; and Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines.   “Umaabot sa tatlong milyong metric tons ng basura, at 500,000 metric tons ang plastic waste leakage kada taon. At ayon sa GAIA, tayong mga Pilipino ay gumagamit ng 59.7 billion na piraso ng sachet kada taon. Sa 100 million Filipinos, kung lahat ay gumagamit ng sachet, lumalabas na kada tao ay nagtatapon ng 597 pieces ng sachet per year. Hindi biro ang bilang na ito. Karamihan sa plastic na basura na tinatapon ay hindi nareresikulo. Nananatili ito sa karagatan for hundreds of years. Let’s spend time to reflect on our consumption of single-use plastic,” Legarda emphasized.   The civil society organizations presented their programs and projects across communities to address the problems caused by plastic pollution, and shared plastic-free alternatives in local enterprises and alternative delivery systems and reuse solutions.   “In a zero-waste system, kailangang sistema talaga ang nakikita natin, where the recyclables are being collected para ibalik at magagamit ito ulit. Ang ating mga food scrap at basura mula sa kusina na nabubulok ay magagamit muli via composting methods. Yung residual, yung trash natin, dito pumapasok yung efforts ng ating mga legislators para i-address via EPR (Extended Producer’s Responsibility) or SUP (Single-Use Plastic) ban na moving na sa ngayon. With companies, we are pushing them to redesign their products at magbenta ng kanilang produkto na hindi gumagamit ng plastic. It’s a whole system, lahat tayo ay may papel na gagampanan, pero kailangan din na makita yung buong sistema,” said Grate.   “We know that the solution is in our hands but we need to work harder, work together, collaborate, and it’s important to have consumers who are informed, and fully engaged in decision-making, ito yung kailangang magawa natin. Our call is to really stop plastic pollution at the source. The National Solid Waste Management Commission should already issue the list of non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging. This will go a long way in stopping plastic pollution at the very source,” said Atty. Ramos.   “We really hope that more businesses can innovate their system and be early adaptors to new processes that are built around the idea of plastic-use reduction. Their innovation can really change the way the world does business and it can also change our system for the better,” said Ledesma.   The episode is held in time with the approval of House Bill No. 9147 or the Single-Use Plastics Products Regulation Act on the second reading. The bill, sponsored by the House Committee on Ecology Chair and co-authored by Legarda, seeks to phase out various types of plastics in the coming years.   Commissioner Rachel Herrera of the Climate Change Commission also joined the conversation and conveyed the national government’s efforts in the campaign to regulate single-use plastics, particularly the Anti Single-Use Plastic campaign spearheaded by the CCC and the Department of Finance, in collaboration with national government agencies.   “Buo ang suporta ng Executive Department agencies para sa pagsasabatas nito, through the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) Resolution No. 1 adopted this year, which expresses its support for this national regulation and phase-out of single-use plastics. Sa Senado ay marami rin pong kaparehong Senate bills. Senator Manny Pacquiao has filed the Single-Use Plastics Regulation Bill (SBN 2262) last June 1,” said  Commissioner Herrera.   Legarda has also filed House Resolution No. 1829, urging Congress to conduct an inquiry of the National Solid Waste Management Commission and other national government agencies on the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003), specifically on the provision on non-environmentally acceptable products or packaging.   “Mula nung naisabatas ang RA 9003 noong January 2001 ay dapat nakalista na yung mga pinagbabawal o phase-out na plastic, dapat na-implement, pero hanggang ngayon, 20 years na ang nakalilipas, ay wala pa ring listahan. Let us look into the non-implementation of the list ng ipinagbabawal sa ilalim ng Ecological Solid Waste Management Law,” Legarda stressed.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Mother Earth Foundation, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and The Climate Reality Project-Philippines.

MANILA, 3 June 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the approval today on second reading of House Bill No. 9147 or the “Single-Use Plastics Products Regulation Act”, legislation that would effectively address the country’s high rate of plastic waste leakage  and plastics' impacts on the environment, public health, and climate change through a nationwide phaseout of single-use plastics and implementation of producers responsibility schemes.   "We believe that this measure can finally put an end to our addiction to single-use plastics and will accelerate the ongoing research and development of more sustainable products and technologies, while creating green jobs," said Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Herrera.   House Bill 9147, sponsored by Rep. Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez, Chair of the House Committee on Ecology - Technical Working Group, seeks to phase-out drinking plastic straws; plastic stirrers; sticks for candy, balloons, and cotton bud; buntings; confetti; and packaging or bags with thickness of less than 10 microns, within one year. As a second category, plastic plates and saucers; cups, bowls, and lids; cutlery; food and beverage containers; oxo-degradable plastics; film wrap of 50 microns thickness or less; and sachets and pouches, are to be phased out within four years.   Producers and importers of single-use plastics shall also phase in extended producer responsibility programs within two years, which include recovery, transportation, and clean-up schemes for plastic wastes, as well as establishment of recycling, composting, and other waste diversion or disposal facilities. The bill also sets out fines and penalties ranging from P50,000 to P1,000,000 and revocation of permit.   The CCC is committed to take a proactive role in promoting concrete actions to help achieve climate targets and reduce our carbon footprint such as by adoption of circular economy approaches and sustainable consumption and production practices. These measures to increase resilience and adaptive capacity have also been identified in the country’s first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.   Last January 2021, the CCC together with member agencies of the Cabinet Cluster for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) moved to approve Resolution No. 1 “Adopting the Principles of Sustainable Consumption and Production, Towards Regulation and Phaseout of Single-Use Plastics and a Responsible Transition to the Use of Environment-Friendly Products.”

MANILA, 2 June 2021 — The third and final session of the “Climate Change is Changing our Coastal and Marine Ecosystems” webinar series shed light on the critical role of accurate scientific data sets translatable to understandable information in addressing the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.   The webinar was organized by the Climate Change Commission, in partnership with RARE Philippines, in celebration of May as the Month of the Ocean and gathered hundreds of participants consisting of members of the academe and research institutions in the Philippines and abroad, government agencies and local government units, policymakers, and organizations leading community-based initiatives, to build awareness on the current and the future state of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Philippines.   The virtual webinar featured presentations from Dr. Mahay Lagmay, Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute (UPRI);  Mr. Rollan Geronimo, Fishing Specialist for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Fish Right Project; and Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, Scientist IV from the National Fisheries Research Development Institute (NFRDI), on data analytics as framework to link climate change data and manage information for decisions, climate change and marine ecosystem modeling, and vulnerability assessment for fisheries and identified/recommended adaptive strategies.   "We hope that the shared stories, data and information from our experts and our stakeholders in this webinar series could facilitate climate and fisheries policies that are grounded and science-based. We hope that this information can be mainstreamed in the programs of our national government agencies, academe, and non-government organizations in ensuring that they are going to reach and be accessible and understandable for local government units, our fisherfolk, and all those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change," said RARE Philippines Vice President Rocky Sanchez-Tirona in her opening remarks.   “In 2012, the Philippines launched the program NOAH or Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, that put into place all of these weather data into a system - making use of the digital infrastructure to put the satellite data, the doppler data, the sensors, rain gauges, so that we can see all of these information in near realtime. By contouring all of those rainfall sensors, we can see where it's raining heavily at any point in time, we can match them with floods, and also the reports of the crowd who are experiencing floods, and try to validate and improve the science behind how we depict our flood, landslide and storm surge happens,” said Dr. Lagmay.   "We need to strongly support global calls for mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. We've seen how the difference between 8.5 and the 4.5 scenarios is twice actually in terms of impact on our oceans and the seas around us. We need to maximize the use of all available tools to give us a range of plausible scenarios. We can't focus on just one tool and we need to use different tools,” said Mr. Geronimo.   “Whenever we look at our work or development plans at different levels, we should look at it under a climate lens - we should look at the vulnerabilities and the hazards. Otherwise, it might seem far away, instead of hitting our deliverables, it's too far because we don't have a climate lens,” said Dr. Santos.   The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) reiterated the goal of mainstreaming coastal fisheries in the climate change programs and policies of the government at the international, national and local level, assess the impacts of climate change on the sector and build the resilience of the sector against the effects of climate change.   “As science continues to shape national policymaking and implementation programs, it is our duty to ensure dissemination of accurate scientific information translatable to communities' understanding towards their actions, thus, strengthening and widening the reach of our efforts to conserve and protect our coastal and marine resources,” said DENR-BMB Undersecretary for Special Concerns and OIC-Director Edilberto DC. Leonardo.   Moderated by Ms. Candeze Mongaya of RARE Philippines, the webinar series aims to provide the public a broader understanding of the importance of science and data for informed policies on oceans. This is aligned with the overall goal of the United Nations Decade of the Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) with the message, “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want”. The full webinar can be accessed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl/videos/210789070722606.

MAYNILA, ika-2 ng Hunyo taong 2021 — Ang mga malalaking civil society organizations na nagsusulong ng  pag-phaseout ng single-use plastics (SUPs) ay magtitipon virtually upang pag-usapan at talakayin ang mga mapanganib na epekto ng SUPs sa kalusugan ng tao, kapaligiran at klima. Tatalakayin din ng mga nasabing panauhin ang panukalang Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Bill sa ika-47 episode ng seryeng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” na may temang, “Uniting Against Single-Use Plastic.”   Ang episode na ito ay ipalalabas sa Huwebes, ika-3 ng Hunyo 2021, 10:00 AM sa Facebook Live ng facebook.com/CCCPhl at facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Kabilang sa mga panauhin ay sina Froilan Grate, Regional Coordinator ng Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives at President ng Mother Earth Foundation; Atty. Gloria Ramos, Vice President ng Oceana Philippines; at Marian Ledesma, masigasig na zero-waste campaigner ng Greenpeace Philippines. Lahat sila ay dadalo sa online na talakayan na pinangungunahan ni House Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative na si Loren Legarda.   Tatalakayin din sa episode na ito ang plastic-free alternatives sa lokal na mga negosyo pati na rin ang alternative delivery systems at reuse solutions.   Ang Pilipinas ay sadyang kilala sa ating mayamang marine ecosystems, ngunit isa rin ito sa mga pangunahing pinagmumulan ng plastic wastes sa buong mundo.   Ang produksyon, kasama ng pagsusunog ng plastik, ay gumagamit ng petrochemicals na siyang nakadadagdag sa global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at climate change. Ayon sa GAIA, ang mga Pilipino ay gumagamit ng 59.7 bilyong pirasong sachet, 17.5 bilyong pirasong shopping bags, 16.5 bilyong pirasong plastic labo bags, at 1.1 bilyong diapers kada taon.   Ang pandemyang ay lalo pang nagpalala at nagpalaki ng problema natin sa single-use plastics. Dahil sa paglalayon ng mga taong mabawasan ang kontaminasyon at lalo pang paglaganap ng virus, dumalas ang ating paggamit ng highly disposable items, gaya ng mga ginagamit nating pang take-out sa pagkain at packaging ng online deliveries.   Ang episode ay tututok sa pagkilos para matugunan ang mga problemang dulot ng plastic pollution at sa panawagan ng mga organisasyon para sa agarang pagpasa ng Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation bill.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang "Stories for a Better Normal" na baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga tao, mga pamilya, at mga pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga pamamaraan kung saan maaaring magkaroon tayo at maisabuhay natin ang isang ‘better normal’ sa loob ng ating mga pamayanan.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission na binigyang-suporta naman ng Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Commission on Women, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at ng Mother Earth Foundation.

MAYNILA, ika-1 ng Hunyo taong 2021 — Binigyang-diin ng ilan sa mga kilalang young Filipino environmental at climate advocates ang papel ng kabataan sa paggamit ng kani-kanilang kakayahan sa pagiging malikhain at teknolohiya upang maging changemakers tungo sa isang better normal sa ginanap na ika-46 na episode ng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” na may temang, “Pinoy Changemakers,”   Tampok sa talakayan sina Antoinette Taus, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador at Founder ng CORA at ng The Sustainable Planet; Carmela Ellaga, isang fisheries technologist; Gab Mejia, conservation photographer at environmental storyteller; at Ranielle Navarro, guro mula sa Albay Central School na kinilala bilang 2021 National Geographic awardee. Nagbahagi ang mga panauhin ng kani-kanilang mga environmental advocacies, at nagsulong ng makabuluhang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga kabataan sa larangan ng  pangangalaga at pagprotekta sa kapaligiran pati na ang pagpapanumbalik ng siglang-buhay ng mundo ngayong new normal.   Ibinahagi ni Taus kung paanong ang pagmamahal, tapang, at layunin ng isang indibidwal, ang siyang magtutulak para aksyunan ang lumalalang environmental degradation at climate change.   "Kung mayroong pagmamahal, katapangan at magandang layunin... Maaari mong ayusin ang lahat ng mga problema sa daigdig para sa parehong tao at mundo – pagmamahal para sa kapuwa tao at pagmamahal para sa kalikasan. At siyempre, ang lakas ng loob na kumilos para sa mga bagay na pinaniniwalaan. At layunin, paniniwalang maski ang maliliit na pagkilos ay sadyang napakahalaga kung ito'y makalilikha maski na kakaunting pagbabago lamang. Walang maliliit na pagbabago lamang at wala ring maliliit na gawang kabutihan. Ang lahat ng ito ay napakahalaga sa isang tao o di kaya'y para sa ating mundo," aniya ni Antoinette Taus.   Kinilala si Ellaga ni dating U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama dahil sa kaniyang pagsisikap na maprotektahan ang planeta, iginiit ni Ellaga ang kahalagahan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa pagitan ng mga tao para makamit ang sustenableng kinabukasan.   “Ang konserbasyon ay ‘di nangangahulugang pagprotekta lamang sa mga hayop at kalikasan kun’di nangangahulugan din itong pagprotekta sa mga tao, at pagkilos kasama ang isa’t isa. Kinakailangan talagang magtulungan ang mga mamamayan, kaisa ang komunidad sa sama-samang pagkilos para sa pamamahala ng mga yamang baybayin at sa pagprotekta ng mga likas na yaman,” diin ni Carmela Ellaga.   "Bahagi ng pagiging isang conservation photographer ang kaalaman na ang konserbasyon ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagprotekta ng mga kalupaan at ng mga hayop na mayroon tayo, kun’di tungkol din sa pagbibigay-lakas at pagproprotekta sa sangkatauhan na naninirahan dito - tulad ng lokal na komunidad, at mga mahihirap at napapabayaang mga pamayanan, pati na ang mga mulisipalidad na nakapalibot sa mga protektadong lugar. Dahil sa totoo lang, lahat tayo'y nakakukuha ng mga benepisyo mula sa kapaligiran, protektadong mga lugar, at biodiversity,” pahayag ni Mejia habang binibigyang-tuon ang papel ng photography sa sa pagbuo ng kamalayan at pagpapakilos sa kapaligiran at climate action.   Si Ranielle Navarro ay siyang utak sa likod ng “A Call to Solution: Goals for Environmental Oversight (ACS Geo),” isang proyekto na naglalayong linangin ang kaalaman ukol sa siyensiya, pamamahayag, at pamamahala sa kapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng digital storytelling, geocaching, at paggamit ng mga digital application tulad ng Marine Debris Tracker. Binigyan diin niya ang kahalagahan ng paglikha ng mga bagong oportunidad upang matuto sa kabila ng mga limitasyong dulot ng pandemya para higit na maimpluwensyahan ang iba na kumilos.   “Hindi lamang natatapos sa pagkukuwento ang aming solusyon. Iniimbitahan namin ang aming mga estudyante na maging citizen scientists at journalists sa pamamagitan ng Marine Debris Tracker App. Naniniwala kami na sa aming ACS GEO project ay maaari itong unti-unting mag-ambag sa pagligtas ng ating marine ecosystem. Kaya patuloy kaming lilikha ng mga oportunidad sa pagkatuto gaya ng proyektong ito para sa aming mga mag-aaral sa kabila ng remote learning setting sa gitna ng pandemiya,” sabi ni Navarro.   Bilang isang online discussion upang maisulong ang kalusugan, kamalayang pangkapaligiran, at mga kasanayan sa pag-angkop sa klima, naglalayon ang "Stories for a Better Normal" na baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga tao, mga pamilya, at mga pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga pamamaraan kung saan maaaring magkaroon tayo at isabuhay natin ang isang ‘better normal’ sa loob ng ating mga pamayanan.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission (CCC) na binigyang-suporta naman mula sa Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Commission on Women, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 1 June 2021 — Big civil society organizations advocating for the phase-out of single-use plastics (SUPs) will gather virtually to discuss the dangerous effects of SUPs on people’s health, the environment, and climate, and assess the proposed Single-use Plastic Products Regulation Bill in the 47th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Uniting Against Single-Use Plastic.”   The episode will air on Thursday, 3 June 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Froilan Grate, Regional Coordinator of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and President of Mother Earth Foundation; Atty. Gloria Ramos, Vice President of Oceana Philippines; and Marian Ledesma, anti-Plastic Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines-Southeast Asia will join the online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now House Deputy Speaker and Antique representative Loren Legarda.   This episode will discuss plastic-free alternatives in local enterprises and alternative delivery systems and reuse solutions.   The Philippines is known for its rich marine ecosystems but is also one of the major sources of plastic trash in the world, contributing almost three million metric tons of plastic wastes and 500,000 metric tons of plastic waste leakage per year.   Plastic production and incineration use petrochemicals from fossil fuel and thus contribute to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions  and climate change.   According to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Filipinos use 59.7 billion pieces of sachets, 17.5 billion pieces of shopping bags, 16.5 billion pieces of plastic labo bag, and 1.1 billion diapers yearly.   The COVID-19 pandemic has even magnified the problem of single-use plastics as people aim to minimize contamination and further spread of the virus. This has led to utilizing easily disposable items, such as those used for food and other deliveries.   The upcoming episode will focus on non-government organizations that have worked across communities to address the problems caused by plastic pollution, and are calling for the immediate passage of the Single-use Plastic Products Regulation bill.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA, 28 May 2021 — Young Filipino environmental and climate advocates highlighted the role of youth in harnessing the power of creativity and technology to become changemakers towards a better normal during the 46th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” with the topic, “Pinoy Changemakers,”   The online conversation hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda featured millennial changemakers including Antoinette Taus, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador and founder of CORA and The Sustainable Planet; Carmela Ellaga, Fisheries Technologist; Gab Mejia, a conservation photographer and environmental storyteller; and Ranielle Navarro, a teacher from Albay Central School and 2021 National Geographic awardee, and shared their environmental advocacies, and promoted meaningful youth engagement in environmental conservation, protection, and restoration of the Earth in the new normal.   Taus shared how individual’s love, courage and purpose will push more to act on the worsening environmental degradation and climate change.   "With love, courage and purpose...You can fix all of the problems of the world for both people and the planet - love for people and love for nature. And of course, the courage to take action for the things that we believe in. And purpose, believing that every little action really means so much even if a smaller difference to make. There are no small changes and no small acts of kindness. They all mean the world to someone or to our planet," said  Taus.   Ellaga, who was recognized by former US first lady Michelle Obama for her efforts to protect the planet, stressed the importance of convergence among people to achieve a sustainable future.   “Conservation doesn’t mean protecting only wildlife and nature but it also means  protecting people, and working with them to achieve a sustainable future. People really need to work together, involving the community to work together for coastal resource management and protecting our resources,” said Ellaga.   "Part of being a conservation photographer is knowing that conservation is not just about protecting the lands and the wildlife that we have, but it's also about empowering and protecting the people who are living there - such as the local communities, marginalized communities, those disempowered people and underserved towns, and municipalities that surround these protected areas. Because in truth, we all get benefits from the environment, protected areas, and biodiversity,” said Mejia as he put emphasis on the role of photography in building awareness and mobilizing environment and climate action.   Navarro, the brain behind the “A Call to Solution: Goals for Environmental Oversight (ACS Geo),” a project that intends to develop citizen scientists, journalists, and environmental leaders through digital storytelling, geocaching, and the use of digital applications like the Marine Debris Tracker, highlighted the importance of creating new learning opportunities despite limitations of the pandemic to further influence others to act.   “That’s the purpose of digital storytelling. We tell the stories; we share the stories to others, so that there will be transformative change to the listeners, the ripple effect is that they are going to share and influence others as well,” said Navarro.   Legarda, a staunch environmental advocate, encouraged the youth to be the driving force of innovation - to transition the people from being unwitting destroyers to nurturers of the planet, as part of the goals of the UN Decade of Ecological Restoration (2021-2030).   “It is not enough that we have biodiversity conservation organizations and a Bureau to manage our parks and our wildlife. The way of life and the system of governance and development that has been causing this spasm and resulting chains and chains of extinctions will need to change. And we have a small window to do so — until 2030,” Legarda said as she shared a message in celebration of International Day of Biological Diversity last May 22nd.   “Many of us must change our life goals and our dreams so that humanity can collectively address this threat with expertise and knowledge. We need to have more biologists, ecologists, circular economy experts, renewable energy and zero waste professionals who can dream of a fresh start for the planet past 2030,” Legarda added.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 28 May 2021 — In the second part of the webinar “Climate Change is Changing our Coastal and Marine Ecosystems”, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), together with RARE Philippines, underscored the need to communicate the effects of climate change to local coastal communities to help them prepare for and respond to its threats.   The webinar is organized in celebration of the Month of the Ocean and gathered hundreds of participants consisting of members of the academe and research institutions in the Philippines and abroad, government agencies and local government units, policymakers, and organizations leading community-based initiatives, to build awareness on the current and the future state of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Philippines.   “We deem it important for more Filipinos to know the effects of climate change in our local communities, particularly coastal communities, to allow them to devise the appropriate climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction measures,” said CCC Commissioner Noel Antonio Gaerlan in his opening remarks.   Moderated by Ms. Angeli Joyce Barafon, Policy and Partnerships Adviser of RARE Philippines, the virtual webinar featured presentations from Dr. Julie Mae P. Dado from the Regional Climate Systems Laboratory of the Manila Observatory; Prof. Jessica D. Bercilla from the University of the Philippines-Visayas; and Vice Mayor Alfredo "JR" M. Coro II from the municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte on the current and observed climate change data in Philippine coasts, mainstreaming risk assessment in planning, and climate change data gaps and challenges from the local government perspective.   “We need to build and strengthen stakeholder engagements so that we could better understand their climate information needs. This is the reason why we come up with these projects, because of the engagements and consultations with the LGUs, so that we will know what information do they need, and therefore, we have this new or updated information, specifically for the climate extremes,” said Dr. Dado.   “We do this because of resilience, we need to be able, at this point of time, to strengthen up all human beings. Right now, we are called upon also to help and enable the capacities of our ecosystems. We need to be able to help them resist, persist, and absorb the impacts and very powerful hazards resulting from climate change,” said Prof. Bercilla.   “Local leaders may often think of climate change as a threat. But in the experience of del Carmen, we promote to look at climate change as an opportunity to build our town to be better – in terms of environmental management, developing social protection mechanisms to support equitable growth, and innovative local governance to improve the quality of public service delivery,” said Vice Mayor Coro.   The CCC encouraged the academe and scientific community to intensify collaboration on risk science and innovation and help communities prepare for localized impact assessments, as well as continue sharing and extending practical knowledge to the communities, including the youth sector on the urgency and importance of climate action.   “The time to act is now— especially when years of hard-earned development gains and lives are at risk. Together, we can make our communities resilient against disasters and climate risks,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera.   The webinar series aims to provide the public a broader understanding of the importance of science and data for informed policies on oceans. This is aligned with the overall goal of the United Nations Decade of the Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) with the message, “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want”. The full webinar can be accessed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl/videos/935056057292470.   The third and last part of the online webinar will air on May 31 and focus on identifying actionable points among stakeholders to address the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.   For more information about the “Climate Change is Changing our Coastal and Marine Ecosystems”, visit the Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

MANILA, 27 May 2021 — Leaders from the government, academic, and development sectors shared strategies and initiatives and explored ways of collaboration to promote circular economy, sustainable consumption and production, and address single-use plastics, in a meeting led by the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCAM-DRR) and the World Bank Group.   Government agencies highlighted the importance of this dialogue with development partners, with Environment Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh pointing to the circular economy to "provide an answer to our problem through reduce, reuse, recycle, and regenerate materials that will restore our environment” and Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez expressing the support of the Department of Finance to "the urgent passage of a measure regulating single-use plastics, as we recognize the necessity of eliminating plastic pollution for a more sustainable environment...By curbing the use of single-use plastics, every Filipino will do his/her part in helping save the country and the world's environment."   The World Bank, European Union Delegation to the Philippines, and the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) meanwhile presented their initiatives and expressed their commitment to help the Philippines and other countries in advancing policies, projects, and programs that would promote circularity and sustainability.   Ms. Madhu Raghunath, the World Bank Group’s Sector Leader for Sustainable Development for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, said that “the ASEAN region accounts for about 20% of the global plastic production, which is expected to grow given its economic growth, rapid urbanization, and changing consumption and production practices." Mr. Christopher Rollo, Country Programme Manager of the UN-Habitat Philippines, also stressed the transformative role that cities play in achieving sustainable development goals.   Mr. Giovanni Serritella, EU Delegation to the Philippines’ Programme Manager for Environment and Climate Change Development Cooperation, shared action items for the transition to circular economy as a top policy priority for the EU. "In the EU, we are against the unsustainable use of plastic––particularly, single-use plastics––because of the significant carbon footprint it carries due to plastic production. Plastic manufacturing approximately contributes to 8% of yearly oil production, and continuing on the yearly trend, by 2050, we will be at 10-20% if things don't change. That translates into contribution of about 100-500 million tons of CO2 emitted every year," Serritella said.   Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) presented the Philippine Action on Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production (PAP4SCP) and the needed priority actions, such as extending responsibility of plastic producers for take-back, collection and recycling, the expansion of market-based instruments, setting up of “green informatics,” and strengthening green public procurement to operationalize the plan. Assistant Director Vizminda Osorio of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environmental Management Bureau also presented on the National Plan of Action on Marine Litter and the strategies to build partnerships and synergies at the local level.   Assistant Director Marie Camille Castillo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also committed that they will continue to develop Philippine National Standards on Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumption and Production, as well as further implement the National Eco-Labeling Program - Green Choice Philippines (NELP-GCP).   House Committee on Ecology Secretary Atty. Dilbert Quetulio presented House Bill 9147 or the Single-Use Plastics Regulation Bill, which seeks the phaseout of single-use plastics starting with the most problematic types, and establishing the extended producers responsibility scheme. “The committee tried to balance the economic, societal, and environmental implications of the bill," Quetulio said.   The agencies and organizations present vowed to continue working together on policies and measures, including the formulation of a national roadmap towards zero single-use plastics and in identifying more partners to promote circular economy and sustainability principles and practices, with Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Herrera emphasizing how a whole-of-society approach is critical to ensure success, taking into consideration institutional capacities at the local level for implementation and the socio-economic impact of the proposed policies and regulations.   In his closing message, DENR Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda expressed, "From this introductory meeting, we will now be moving forward. We know that the transition cannot be made overnight, but by building consensus, partnerships, and momentum, we should expect good results within a reasonable period.”

MAYNILA, ika-26 ng Mayo taong 2021 — Bilang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Karagatan (Oceans Month) ngayong Mayo at sa paparating na World Environment Day ngayong ika-05 ng Hunyo, magsasama-sama virtually ang ilan sa mga kilalang young Filipino environmental advocates upang pag-usapan at makapagbahagi ng kani-kanilang kaalaman ukol sa pagtataguyod ng pakikilahok ng kabataan sa usapin ng pangangalaga at pagprotekta ng kapaligiran sa ika-46 na episode ng seryeng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” na may temang, “Pinoy Changemakers.”   Pinangungunahan ni dating three-term Senator, at ngayo'y Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda ang episode na mapapanood sa Huwebes, ika-27 ng Mayo 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live sa facebook.com/CCCPhl at facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Kabilang sa online na talakayan ang mga environmental advocates na sina Antoinette Taus, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador at Founder ng CORA at The Sustainable Planet; Carmela Ellaga, isang Fisheries Technologist; Gab Mejia, conservation photographer at environmental storyteller; at Ranielle Navarro, guro mula Albay Central School at 2021 NatGeo awardee.   Sa nakaraang mga episodes, pinag-usapan sa online na serye kung paanong nagsusulong at nagpapanatili ang mga kabataang lider ng kanilang mga climate initiatives sa gitna ng pandemya at naibabahagi ang ginamit nilang climate-friendly technologies at sustainable entrepreneurial ventures sa larangan ng renewable energy, at ecological solid waste management, bukod sa iba pang climate change adaptation at mitigation efforts.   Samantala, tampok sa episode na ito ang pagkilala sa mga environmental advocacies na sinimulan ng mga kabataang Pilipino, na siyang makapang-hihikayat sa mga manonood – lalong-lalo na ang kabataan – na maging malikhain at gamitin ang teknolohiya upang maging changemakers tungo sa isang better normal para sa kapakanan ng tao at kaligtasan ng mundo.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan, kamalayang pangkapaligiran, at mga kasanayan sa pag-angkop sa klima, naglalayon ang "Stories for a Better Normal" na baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga tao, mga pamilya, at mga pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga pamamaraan kung saan maaaring magkaroon tayo at isabuhay natin ang isang ‘better normal’ sa loob ng ating mga pamayanan.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission (CCC) na binigyang-suporta naman mula sa Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Commission on Women, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

Mahigpit na ipinatupad ang social distancing at health protocols habang ipinagdiriwang ang Pahiyas Festival. Litrato mula sa presentasyon ni Maria Jennifer L. Babat, Tourism Officer ng Lucban, Quezon. MAYNILA, ika-25 ng Mayo 2021 — Binigyang-diin ng mga ahensya ng kultura at turismo mula sa iba't ibang mga probinsya sa bansa ang makabago, luntian, at sustenableng paraan sa pagdiriwang ng mga pistang Pilipino sa kasalukuyang panahon nitong ika-45 na episode ng seryeng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” na may temang, “Sustainable and Green Philippine Festivals.”   Pinangunahan ni Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda ang nasabing online na talakayan na kung saan tampok sina Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at Assistant Secretary Verna Covar-Buensuceso ng Department of Tourism (DOT); Ms. Maria Jennifer Babat, Tourism Officer ng Lucban, Quezon; Mr. JC Cadiao Perlas, Provincial Tourism Officer ng Antique; Mr. Rommel Flogen, Artistic Director ng Dinagyang Festival sa Iloilo; at si Mr. Alphonsus Tesoro, Former Head ng National Committee on Central Cultural Communities ng National Commission for Culture and the Arts at sa ngayo'y Provincial Tourism at Cultural Affairs Officer ng Capiz.   "Tangkilikin at pangalagaan ang sariling atin. Kung iisipin natin, paano ang turismo, kabuhayan, at ang ating ipakikita sa mga kabataan, sa mga turistang lokal, at foreign tourists kung kalbo ang ating kabundukan, kung marumi ang ating mga ilog, kung mabaho ang mga nagkalat na basura, at hindi sinusunod ang mga batas pang-kalikasan,” pahayag ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.   Ibinida ng mga panauhin ang kani-kanilang sustenable at makabagong mga pamamaraan sa pagdiriwang ng mga pista tulad ng Pistang Pahiyas sa Quezon, Pistang Binirayan sa Antique, Pistang Dinagyang sa Iloilo, at Pistang Capiztahan sa Capiz, at hinikayat ang ating mga pamayanan na isama ang sustenableng paraan ng pagdaraos ng mga online events, upang maiwasan ang aksayadong pagkonsumo, habang itinataguyod ang sustenableng pamumuhay, isinasagawa ang recycling, pagbabawal sa paggamit ng single-use plastic, at sa halip ay ang paggamit ng eco-friendly na mga materyales.   "Ang mga pistang Pilipino sa gitna ng panahon at kampanyang better normal ay isang naaangkop na tema sa panahong ito dahil alam naman natin, na ang Mayo ay ang buwan ng mga pista dito sa Pilipinas. Ang mga pista na ito ay humahakot ng libu-libong mga manonood at kasama rin dito ang daan-daang mga kasali sa kaganapan - mula sa mga kasaling designers, dancers, make-up artists, at florists. Marami sa kanila ay nawalan ng pangunahing pinagkukunan ng pinagkakakitaan noong hindi itinuloy ang mga pista dahil sa kasalukuyang pandemya. Ngunit ang paglilipat ng mga pista online at ang paglikha ng mas maliit at mas ligtas na mga produksyon ay naging epektibong pamamaraan para mapanatili ang industriya ng turismo at ang hilig ng ating mga mamamayan,” ayon kay Sec. Romulo-Puyat.   "Slow food at slow travel ay kagaya rin ng isang pista ngunit ito ay mas maihahalintulad mo sa isang caravan. Habang tayo ay naghahanda para sa pag-restart ng tourism, ang ginagawa namin ay iniikot namin ‘yung mga food tourism destinations at naghahanap kami ng mga bagong experiences. Kung saan makikita ‘yung mga pinuntahan for a particular development of slow food at slow travel. Ang idea dito is for us to be able to put together festivals and celebrate our traditional cuisine, our indigenous resources, and our indigenous food tourism products," aniya Asec. Covar-Buensuceso.   “Nagsagawa po kami ng aming virtual San Isidro Pahiyas Festival na may temang 'Pagkalinga sa Kultura, Lucbangon Narito Na' which means 'Lucban, bangon in times of crisis'. Hindi katulad ng mga nakaraang Pahiyas Festival na halos lahat ng kabahayan ay nagpapahiyas, ngayong taon po na ito, ang aming opisina lamang ang pinahiyasan, ‘yan po ang Lucban Tourist Information Center sa gitna ng kabayanan ng Lucban. Kami sa San Isidro Pahiyas Festival Executive Committee ay nagdaos mula May 01-15, 2021 at ito po ay nasa Marcos Tigla Park. Ito po ay bahagi ng aming programa na Lucbangon Turismo,” pagbabahagi ni Ms. Maria Jennifer Babat.   "Sa gitna ng pandemyang ito, kailangan ng mga tao na magkaroon ng tinatawag na groundbreaking thinking within the box dahil sa iilang mga limitasyong hinaharap natin. Tulad ng ginawa at naranasan namin sa Pistang Binirayang, kung saan idinaos namin ang Pistang Binirayan sa palengke ng Kapitolyo kung saan ito'y siya na rin naging isang Food Market, at ang Binirayan Sikad Lagaw ay siyang aming naging pista ng bisekleta, at ang Binirayan Plant Fair," saad ni Mr. JC Cadiao.   "Bawat Dinagyang, nasa five judging areas lang kami na may stage, na may judges, na may spectator, but this time lumabas po kami sa comfort zone namin. Lumapit po kami sa environment - sa kalikasan, so we have several shoots po sa mga gubat, sa mga dagat. Outdoor lahat. Na-appreciate namin ang lahat ng mga district ng Iloilo and of course, ang mga magagandang tourist spot ng Iloilo City," sabi ni Mr. Rommel Flogen.   “Ngayon, nitong pandemic, kinakailangan natin maging innovative. Since nag-start itong ating crisis last year bumuo kami ng Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan di lamang para sa turismo kundi para na rin sa buong gobyerno ng probinsya... since wala tayong face-to-face events, tinutukan namin ang documentation at research. Isa rito ang mga sayaw Capiznon, lalong-lalo na maraming na-inventory sa gitna ng cultural mapping at marami pa ring na-research ang aming mga dance researchers na kasapi ng Philippine Folk Dance Society - South Capiz Chapter,” sabi ni Mr. Alphonsus Tesoro.   Bilang isang online na talakayan upang maisulong ang kalusugan at kamalayang pang-kapaligiran, naglalayon ang "Stories for a Better Normal" na baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga tao, mga pamilya, at mga pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakita ng mga pamamaraan kung saan maaaring magkaroon tayo at maisasabuhay natin ang isang ‘better normal’ sa loob ng ating mga pamayanan.   Na-organisa ang online na talakayang ito mula sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission (CCC) na binigyang-suporta naman mula sa Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine Commission on Women, at non-governmental organization partners na Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 25 May 2021 — In celebration of the Month of the Ocean this May and the upcoming World Environment Day this June 5th, young Filipino environmental advocates will gather virtually to promote meaningful youth engagement in environmental conservation, protection, and restoration on the 46th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Pinoy Changemakers.”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 27 May 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are environmental advocates including Antoinette Taus, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador and founder of CORA and The Sustainable Planet; Carmela Ellaga, Fisheries Technologist; Gab Mejia, a conservation photographer and environmental storyteller; and Ranielle Navarro, a teacher from Albay Central School and 2021 NatGeo awardee.   In previous episodes, the online series tackled how youth leaders are driving and sustaining their climate initiatives amid the pandemic and shared climate-friendly technologies and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures in the areas of renewable energy, and ecological solid waste management, among other climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.   This episode will feature and recognize environmental advocacies initiated by young Filipinos, and will encourage audiences – especially the youth – to harness the power of creativity and technology to become changemakers towards a better normal for people and the planet.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 24 May 2021 — For the second part of the “Climate Change is Changing our Coastal and Marine Ecosystems” webinar organized by the Climate Change Commission (CCC)  and RARE Philippines, marine experts and local government officials will discuss how the climate is changing in the country – and specifically how this impacts on local coastal communities.   The webinar will air on Tuesday, 25 May 2021, 1:00 PM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/RareOrgPH.   The upcoming webinar will feature experts including Dr. Julie Mae P. Dado from the Regional Climate Systems Laboratory of the Manila Observatory; Prof. Jessica D. Bercilla from the University of the Philippines-Visayas; and Vice Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II from municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte to discuss the current and observed climate change data in Philippine coasts, mainstreaming risk assessment in planning, and climate change data gaps and challenges from the local government perspective.   On May 18, the first of the three-part webinar was held with scientists from the CCC’s National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) and the UP Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) sharing their studies to build awareness on how the climate is changing the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems.   For this session, the spotlight will be on local communities who are situated at the forefront of climate impacts and action.   The three-part webinar series aims to provide the public a broader understanding of the importance of science and data for informed policies on oceans. This is aligned with the overall goal of the United Nations Decade of the Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) with the theme, “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want.” For more information about the “Climate Change is Changing our Coastal and Marine Ecosystems”, visit the Facebook pages of the Climate Change Commission and RARE Philippines.

MANILA, 22 May 2021 — In observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity today, the Climate Change Commission highlighted nature-based approaches as part of solutions for biodiversity loss and climate change for the Philippines, as one of the megabiodiverse countries in the world.   “Biodiversity is the web of life. Let us not forget that biodiversity feeds and heals, provides us air and water, and is a source of livelihood and recreation. Development without environmental safeguards, and unsustainable land degradation, overgrazing and deforestation, pollution, overfishing, hunting, land-use change, and overuse of freshwater, are pushing ecosystems to the limit," the CCC said.   This year’s theme, “We're part of the solution #ForNature,” serves as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges - climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods.   The CCC also encouraged local government units to integrate biodiversity conservation into the country’s local development agenda through the enforcement of environmental laws, and for individuals to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle and join campaigns that aim to eliminate single-use plastics which are a major source of marine and land pollution and contribute to climate change.   The CCC said, "The solution begins with us, and now. To sustain us and future generations, we need to protect our nature as the capital for development and prosperity for those who will be born beyond our time.

Social distancing and health protocols were observed even in the celebration of Pahiyas Festival. Photo from the presentation of Ms. Maria Jennifer L. Babat, Tourism Officer of Lucban, Quezon. MANILA, 21 May 2021 — Tourism and culture officers from various provinces in the country highlighted the innovative, green, and sustainable ways of celebrating Philippine festivals in the better normal  during the 45th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” with the topic, “Sustainable and Green Philippine Festivals.” The online conversation hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda featured national and local government officials, tourism officers, and cultural artists including Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat  and Assistant Secretary Verna Covar-Buensuceso of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Ms. Maria Jennifer Babat, Tourism Officer of Lucban, Quezon; Mr. JC Cadiao Perlas, Provincial Tourism Officer of Antique;  Mr. Rommel Flogen, Artistic Director of Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival, and Mr. Alphonsus Tesoro, Former Head of the National Committee on Central Cultural Communities of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, now Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer of Capiz. "Tangkilikin at pangalagaan ang sariling atin. Kung iisipin natin, paano ang turismo, kabuhayan, at ang ating ipakikita sa mga kabataan, sa mga turistang lokal, at foreign tourists kung kalbo ang ating kabundukan, kung marumi ang ating mga ilog, kung mabaho ang mga basura, at hindi sinusunod ang mga batas ng ating kalikasan,” said Legarda. The guests featured safe, ustainable, and innovative ways in celebrating festivals such as Pahiyas Festival in Quezon, Binirayan Festival in Antique, Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo, and Capiztahan Festival in Capiz, and encouraged communities to embed sustainable and green practices in observing various festivities through shifting to online events, avoiding wasteful consumption, promoting sustainable lifestyles, practicing recycling, banning the use of single-use plastics, and using eco-friendly materials, among others. "Philippine festivals in the better normal is a timely topic because as we all know, May is the month of fiestas in the Philippines. These festivals draw thousands of spectators and involved hundreds of people - from participants, designers, dancers, make-up artists, and florists. Many of them have lost their major source of income when festivals were canceled due to the pandemic. But transitioning festivals online and creating smaller and safer productions have been a way to sustain the industry and the interest of the people,” said Sec. Romulo-Puyat. "Slow food and slow travel is like a festival but it is more of a caravan. Habang tayo ay naghahanda para sa pagrestart ng tourism, ang ginagawa namin ay iniikot namin yung mga food tourism destinations at naghahanap kami ng mga bagong experiences. Kung saan makikita yung mga pinuntahan for a particular development of slow food and slow travel. Ang idea dito is for us to be able to put together festivals and celebrate our traditional cuisine, our indigenous resources, and our indigenous food tourism products," said Asec. Covar-Buensuceso. “Nagsagawa po kami ng aming virtual San Isidro Pahiyas Festival na may temang 'Pagkalinga sa Kultura, Lucbangon Narito Na' which means 'Lucban, bangon in times of crisis'. Hindi katulad ng mga nakaraang Pahiyas Festival na halos lahat ng kabahayan ay nagpapahiyas, ngayong taon po na ito, ang aming opisina lamang ang pinahiyasan, ‘yan po ang Lucban Tourist Information Center sa gitna ng kabayanan ng Lucban. Kami sa San Isidro Pahiyas Festival Executive Committee ay nagdaos mula May 1-15, 2021 at ito po ay nasa Marcos Tigla Park. Ito po ay bahagi ng aming programa na Lucbangon turismo,” said Ms. Babat.                                                                                                                                                                       "During this pandemic, people need to have a groundbreaking thinking within the box due to some parameters. So with the Binirayan Festival, we have the Binirayan Kapitolyo Market which is the food fair, Binirayan Sikad Lagaw which is our bike festival, and the Binirayan Plant Fair," said Mr. Cadiao. "Every Dinagyang, nasa five judging areas lang kami na may stage, na may judges, na may expectator, but this time lumabas po kami sa comfort zone namin. Lumapit po kami sa environment - sa kalikasan, so we have several shoots po sa mga gubat, sa mga dagat. Outdoor lahat. Na-appreciate namin ang lahat ng mga district ng Iloilo and of course, ang mga magagandang tourist spot ng Iloilo City," said Mr. Flogen. “Ngayon, itong pandemic, we have to be innovative. Since nag-start itong ating crisis last year we crafted the Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan not only for tourism but the entire provincial government... since wala tayong face-to-face events, we focused on the documentation and research. Isa dito ang mga Capiznon dances, especially na maraming na-inventory during the cultural mapping at marami pa ring na-research ang aming mga dance researches na kasapi ng Philippine Folk Dance Society - South Capiz Chapter,” said Mr. Tesoro. As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities. This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.

The 1,472 hectares Candijay Mangrove Forest in Panadtaran, Candijay, Bohol houses at least 36 species of mangroves, most of which are “bakauan” or  the Rhizophora Stylosa. Photo from https://www.bohol-philippines.com/candijay-mangrove-forest.html. MANILA, 20 May 2021 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and its National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE), in partnership with RARE Philippines and the UP Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), successfully convened the first of the three-part online webinar series on the effects of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems. The virtual webinar, organized in celebration of the Month of the Ocean, gathered more than 500 participants, consisting of members of the academe and research institutions in the Philippines and abroad, government agencies, policymakers, and organizations  leading community-based initiatives, to build awareness on the current and future state of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Philippines. The said webinar featured presentations from NPTE members Dr. Laura T. David and Ms. Lourdes Tibig, and Dr. Caroline Marie B. Jaraula, Assistant Professor from UP-MSI on their studies on historical climate data and evolution of marine and coastal ecosystems and the highlights of ocean acidification as reported on the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC). “When we talk about climate change in the marine environment, we don’t just talk about temperature change, which is usually the focus in the terrestrial environment. We also talk about the changes in the patterns, the delivery of rainfall, as well as extreme events in that area, ocean acidification, and sea level rise,” said Dr. David. “We will look into the geologic records as a proxy record especially in critical areas or times where we do not have ample data sets that were measured. We’re also looking at the present-day analogs of forecasted global warming scenario, warmer seas, and effects of ocean acidification. Climate change is not just a physical process; it is a bio-chemical phenomenon that can impact our health, economy, food security, and geopolitical stability,” said Dr. Jaraula. Tibig, one of the lead authors of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate emphasized that over the years, the ocean takes excess heat leading to the decline of its acidity level. “Based on the global trends of the IPCC SROCC, the ocean has warmed unabated since 1970, and has taken up more than 90% of the excess heat in the climate system. The rate of ocean uptake of atmospheric carbon has continued to strengthen in the recent two decades in response to the increasing carbon concentration in the atmosphere. As a consequence, the ocean is continuing to acidify in response to ongoing ocean carbon uptake, and open ocean surface water pH is observed to be declining by a range of 0.017-0.027 pH units per decade since the late 1980s,” said Ms. Tibig. Through his opening remarks, CCC Commissioner Noel Antonio Gaerlan encouraged the participants to drive positive actions within the communities in an effort to save the coastal and marine ecosystems. “Marine life is vital to support human life. Our lives are linked closely to the ocean and the rich marine resources that it yields. We must act accordingly and work together to find the much-needed balance in using the resources of our oceans and protecting its biodiversity to ensure that it benefits us in a sustainable manner,” Gaerlan emphasized. The three-part webinar series aims to provide the public a broader understanding of the importance of science and data for informed policies on oceans. This is aligned with the overall goal of the United Nations Decade of the Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) with the message, “The Science We Need for the Ocean We Want”. The full webinar can be accessed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl/videos/2935422240112073 The second part of the online webinar, airing on Tuesday, May 25, will focus on how the climate is changing in the country and specifically its impact on local coastal communities. For more information about the “Climate Change is Changing our Coastal and Marine Ecosystems”, visit the Facebook page of the Climate Change Commission at www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.

MANILA, 18 May 2021 — National and local government officials, tourism officers, and artistic directors, will gather virtually to feature the celebration of Philippine festivals in safe and sustainable ways on the 45th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” as part of the “Sustainable and Green Philippine Festivals” series.   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 20 May 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are resource persons including Assistant Secretary Verna Covar-Buensuceso of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Mayor Celso Olivier Dator of Lucban, Quezon, JC Cadiao-Perlas, provincial tourism officer of Antique, and Rommel Flogen, artistic director of Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival, and Alphonsus Tesoro, National Committee on Central Cultural Communities of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to discuss Philippine festivals in the better normal and encourage communities to embed sustainable and green practices in observing various festivities through shifting to online events, avoiding wasteful consumption, promoting sustainable lifestyles, practicing recycling, banning the use of single-use plastics, and using eco-friendly materials, among others.   Due to the coronavirus pandemic, countries, including the Philippines, have imposed lockdowns and quarantine restrictions to avoid the spread of the virus. Businesses and celebrations are mostly undertaken virtually, particularly meetings, gatherings, and festivals.   More than a year into the quarantine, Filipinos are continuously finding innovative means to celebrate, paving the way towards sustainable and greener festivities which gave birth to the collaboration between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the DOT for an online program that allow Filipinos abroad to enjoy Philippine festivals “virtually” amid the pandemic.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. 

Several indigenous groups in Tuminugan Farm learn and practice regenerative acriculture. Photo from the presentation of Renée Perrine, Co-Founder of Hineleban Farms. MANILA, 10 May 2021 — Sustainable farming advocates highlighted the socio-economic, environmental, and climate benefits of regenerative agriculture - a farming method that improves the resources it uses rather than destroying or depleting them through technologies that revitalize the soil and the environment during the 44th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” with the topic, “Farms of the Future.”   The online conversation hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda featured sustainable farming experts including Moises Butic, Ifugao muyong system practitioner; Renée Perrine, Co-Founder of Hineleban Farms; and Nicolo and Paula Aberasturi, Founders of Earth Flora Inc. They shared their regenerative agriculture practices and gave tips on how to secure and ensure a steady supply of safe and nutritious food even in the most challenging of times.   “What are the challenges facing the Ifugao terraces landscape? There is a lack of appreciation for the value of trees, and the widespread use of fast-growing tree species disturbs and changes the landscape of the original muyong or agroforestry plants. There should be more studies on values associated with the multi-functionality of the muyong and the rice terraces. We should also add more programs to sustain and enhance local initiatives geared toward the promotion of the Ifugao culture among the new generation,” said Mr. Butic.   “When we cover the soil, we actually enhance the soil health. Our number one rule or motto is ‘Zero soil leaves the land’. Second thing is to use the resources that God gave us, which is water. We are in a tropical climate so usually we have a lot of rain, but in 2015-2016,  we had a long extensive drought. We have to be climate-resilient to both drought and flood,” said Ms. Perrine.   “Filipinos are one of the most creative people in the world. Current government efforts have been towards mechanization and digitalization of agriculture without putting much effort into soil building. Healthy soil is the backbone of the Philippine agriculture and the quickest and cheapest way to raise farmer productivity and income. If farmers are given the right tools and training, they can run a very profitable farm business. This will start attracting young people back to farming,” said Mr. and Mrs. Aberasturi.   As a home gardener herself and author of House Bill No. 637 or the Food Forest Gardening Act of 2019, Legarda emphasized that the application of regenerative agriculture can produce high quality, nutrient-dense food while simultaneously improving the land, and ultimately leading to productive farms and healthy communities and economies.   "Ang problema ng pagbabaha ay dahil sa siltation ng mga ilog dulot ng soil erosion. Ang precious soil na galing sa mga slopes at kabundukan ay nag-eerode dahil sa maling paggawa ng agrikultura. Nahuhubad ang ating lupa so nawawala ang nutrients ng soil, nakakasagabal pa sa ilog, nagbabaha pa sa mga tabing-dagat o tabing-ilog, at nagdudulot ng mas malaking disaster. Pero kung aalagaan natin ang ating soil in a regenerative way ay magiging mayaman ang lupa, maganda pa ang ating mga tanim, at hindi pa magso-soil erosion at river siltation," Legarda concluded.   As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.