"It’s time to build back better for People and Planet" The Philippines is one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, together hosting two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and between 70-80% of the world’s plant and animal species. But the Philippines is also considered as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots due to overexploitation, deforestation, land degradation, pollution, and other unsustainable human activities, all aggravated by climate change. As we celebrate the Philippine Environment Month and World Environment Day this June 5, the Climate Change Commission urges everyone to initiate and support each other's efforts to live more sustainably within our households, offices, and communities. It's time for nature to heal and thrive again. Let us continue protecting humanity’s delicate balance by working and building with nature around us. The hope and fate of the future generations rest on our actions today.

MANILA 30 May 2020 – Sa kamakailang Sustainable Urban Mobility episode ng programang “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” tinalakay ni House Deputy Speaker at Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda kasama ang mga bike advocates at cyclists kung paanong ang pagbi-bisikleta ay makatutulong sa ating mga frontliner na makapagbiyahe sa gitna ng dinaranas nating community quarantine at kung paano masusuportahan ng mga syudad at probinsya ang pagbi-bisikleta bilang isang mas maka-kalusugang alternatibo para sa ating mga commuter at transport sector. Si Red Constantino, Executive Director ng  Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, ay co-anchor ni Legarda sa talakayan, at kasama sina Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr. ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); Atty. Crisanto Saruca, MMDA Director para sa Legal and Legislative Affairs, Edison Nebrija ng MMDA Task Force of Special Operations; Keisha Mayuga, Life Cycles PH founder; Aldrin Pelicano MNL Moves founder Aldrin Pelicano; at Rommel Miles Corro, Climate Reality Leader at Triabetics member.  “Hindi dapat na maging pangarap na lamang ang Sustainable Urban Mobility. Gawin natin itong isang permanenteng solusyon para matugunan ang mga paghihirap at araw-araw na pakikibaka ng ating mga commuters. Sa ating Better Normal Bill, sisiguruhin ko na ang lahat ng mga konstruksyon at imprastraktura ay magkakaroon ng kani-kaniyang luntiang espasyo na may mga pagtataniman ng mga halaman at puno na akma sa ating klima, at may pedestrian at bike lanes. Ibalik natin ang mga espasyong  ito sa ating mga mamamayan,” sabi ni Legarda, na mag do-donate ng bagong bike sa Life Cycles PH at MNL Moves. Ibinahagi ni Red Constantino ang tantya ng Department of Transportation na mahigit kumulang na 50% na kabawasan sa passenger capacity ng mga bus, pampasaherong dyip o PUJ, at public utility vehicles o PUVs, kasama na rito ang  80-90% na kabawasan mula sa rail sector. Nagbigay din sya ng mga halimbawa at paliwanag ukol sa malaking pakinabang ng pagbi-bisikleta sa ating ekonomiya at klima. “Ang pagbi-bisikleta papuntang trabaho ay mabuti para sa ating ekonomiya dahil nababawasan ang gamit na gasolina at importasyon ng langis, mas malinis ang hangin, at mas mainam ang kalusugan para sa ating mga manggagawa. Nakatutulong rin sa climate action. Napakaraming mga projection ang nagpapakita na napakalaki ng carbon emissions ang maaaring maibawas —makatitipid ang mga syudad ng $25 trillion sa loob ng susunod na 25 na taon dahil sa pagbibisikleta at maaaring makaiwas ng 300 megatonnes ng carbon,” sabi ni Constantino. Ibinahagi ni Keisha Mayuga ang mga simulaing isinagawa na ng Life Cycles PH upang matulungan ang ating mga frontliners sa gitna ng kasalukuyang pandemic at ang panawagan upang magkaroon ng mga dedicated at protected na mga bike lanes sa Metro Manila na konektado sa mga karatig-pook. “Sinimulan ko ang grupong Life Cycles PH noong narinig namin na mawawalan ng mass transport sa gitna ng pandemic. Nadurog ang puso ko nang malaman na ang mga mamamayan ay hindi makauuwi sa kani kaniyang mga tahanan kung kaya't namigay kami ng mahigit na 1,400 na mga bisikleta sa pamamagitan ng isang donation drive, na nakalikom na ng mahigit 3 million pesos na pondo. Sa pamamagitan ng community matching sa Facebook, ang mga pribadong indibidwal at mga frontliners ay maaring makahiram ng mga bisikleta. Gayundin, sa pamamagitan ng EDSA Evolution ay ipinaglalaban at isinusulong ang pagkakaroon natin ng  permanent at protected bike lanes para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga frontliners at bikers,” sabi ni Mayuga. Ibinahagi ni Aldrin Pelicano kung paanong nagmula lamang sa kahiligang gawain ang MNL Moves, na ngayon ay naging isa ng pamayanan ng mga nagsusulong ng pagbibisikleta. Ibinahagi din niya ang survey na kanilang ginawa kasama ng ICSC at ng University of Twente (UT) sa Netherlands ukol sa regular na bike routes ng mahigit na 400 cyclists at ang naging resultang mga rekomendasyon ukol sa pagkakaroon ng interconnected bike lanes. “Ang pagkakaroon ng mas maraming oras para sa pamilya dahil sa pagbi-bisikleta ang naging mensahe ko para mapalawak ang MNL Moves hanggang ito'y maging isang community. Kami ngayon ay nagsimulang manawagan at manghikayat sa mga organisasyon maski na sa labas ng cycling community upang makapagdaos ng mga pagsasanay at ang pagkakaroon ng mga programa upang makapagbahagi ng kaalaman. Maaaring ipatupad muna ng mga LGUs ang pagkakaroon ng temporary bike lanes upang matutunan din paano gawing permanente ang mga bike lanes,” sabi ni Pelicano.    Tinalakay at ibinahagi din ni Rommel Miles Corro ang kanyang mga karanasan sa pagbi-bisikleta mula Muntinlupa, kung saan inihahatid nya ang kanyang mga anak sa kanilang paaralan, at pagkatapos noon patuloy siyang nagbibisikleta papunta sa kanyang trabaho sa Makati.  “Papaano at bakit ba ako nagkaroon ng matinding kahiligan at pagmamahal sa pagbibisikleta? Hindi lamang ito dahil nakaka-menos ako sa gastos. Hindi lamang ito dahil binabawasan ko ang ating carbon footprint. Kundi, napupukaw din nito ang pagiging malaya ng aking kaluluwa at damdamin. Nagkaroon na din ako ng natural na pagkasuklam sa kadalasang pag-iisa ko sa loob ng kotse. Nakaka-konsensya kasi bahagi ako ng traffic at hindi bahagi ng solusyon. Ngunit kapag ikaw ay nagbibisikleta papuntang trabaho, nagkakaroon ka ng bahagyang kalayaan at nabibigyan ako nito ng malawakan na laya sa anumang oras na mayroon ako,” sabi ni Rommel Miles Corro. Samantala nagpahayag ng suporta sa rekomendasyon ni Legarda na magkaroon tayo ng isang  bike masterplan sa Metro Manila si MMDA Usec. San Juan. Bahagi ng bike masterplan na ito ay  kang pagkakaroon ng  dedicated at protected bike lanes, na isusulong sa House Bill 6864, o ang "Better Normal for the Workplace, Communities and Public Spaces Act" o ang Better Normal Bill na ini-akda at itinaguyod ni Legarda. “Kami ay sumusuporta sa  bike lane program sa Better Normal Bill. Bago magkaroon ng pandemic, mayroon nang kasalukuyang umiiral na bike lane project sa kahabaan ng Ilog Pasig, mula Pasig hanggang Manila. Inaayos pa po ang obstructions para maging continuous bike lane siya. Ang ating panaginip ay binibigyan ng pagkakataon na maging isang katotohanan sa mga darating na buwan,” sabi ni Usec. San Juan.

MANILA 29 May 2020 – In the Sustainable Urban Mobility episode of the “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” series, House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda discussed with bike advocates and cyclists how biking is helping frontliners move during this community quarantine and how cities and provinces can support biking for a healthier and better normal for commuters and the transport sector.  Mr. Red Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, co-anchored the show with Legarda. Resource speakers included Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Undersecretary Frisco San Juan, Jr.; Atty. Crisanto Saruca, MMDA Director, Legal and Legislative Affairs, Edison Nebrija, Head, MMDA Task Force of Special Operations; Life Cycles PH founder Keisha Mayuga; MNL Moves founder Aldrin Pelicano; and Climate Reality Leader and Triabetics member Rommel Miles Corro. “Sustainable urban mobility should no longer be a dream. Let’s make it permanent. The government must address the struggles of our frontliners and daily commuters. Sa ating Better Normal Bill, I will see to it that all constructions have green spaces, may mga pagtataniman ng halaman at puno, akma sa ating klima, at may pedestrian at bike lanes. Let’s give back the space to our people,” said Legarda, who will donate one new bike each for Life Cycles PH and MNL Moves.  Constantino shared the Department of Transportation’s projection of at least 50% reduction in passenger capacity for buses, jeepneys or PUJs, and public utility vehicles or PUVs, as well as an 80-90% reduction for the rail sector. He also cited figures on benefits of cycling to the economy and climate. “Cycling to work as a mainstream and essential service and option is good for the economy, in terms of less fuel use, less imports, better air quality, and better health of workers, with co-benefits to climate action. A lot of projections are showing that the amount of carbon emissions that we can reduce is really substantial—cities could save $25 trillion over the next 25 years due to cycling and could avoid 300 megatonnes of CO2,” said Constantino. Mayuga shared Life Cycles PH’s initiatives to help frontliners during this pandemic and in calling for dedicated, protected, and connected bike lanes in Metro Manila and neighboring areas.  “I started the group Life Cycles PH when we heard that there’s no mass transport. It broke my heart to learn that people won’t be getting home. Now, we’ve provided more than 1,400 bikes through a donation drive, which already raised over P3 million pesos, and through community matching on Facebook, where private individuals and frontliners can lend or borrow bikes. Also, through EDSA Evolution, we advocate for permanent and protected bike lanes to ensure the safety of our frontliners and bikers,” said Mayuga. Pelicano shared how MNL Moves started as a passion project, which has now become a community of cycling advocates. He also shared the survey they did together with ICSC and the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands on the regular bike routes of more than 400 cyclists and the resulting recommendations on interconnected bike lanes. “Ang pagkakaroon ng mas maraming oras para sa pamilya dahil sa pagbibisikleta ang naging mensahe ko para mapalawak ang MNL Moves into a community. We then started reaching out to organizations even outside the cycling community to hold trainings and knowledge exchange programs. Local governments can implement temporary bike lanes to learn how to build permanent ones,” said Pelicano.   Corro talked about his experiences cycling from Muntinlupa, where he drops off his kids for school, to Makati for work.  “Why am I passionate and committed to cycling? It’s not just because I get to save a lot. It is not just because I’m minimizing my carbon footprint. There’s something spiritual about it. I’ve developed a natural abhorrence to being alone inside a car. Nakaka-konsensya kasi I’m part of the traffic and not part of the solution. But when you bike to work, it’s allowing you a certain degree of freedom. It gives me a lot of controlled time,” said Corro. MMDA Usec. San Juan meanwhile expressed support to Legarda’s recommendation for a bike masterplan in Metro Manila, which would include dedicated and protected bike lanes, to be incorporated in House Bill 6864, or the "Better Normal for the Workplace, Communities and Public Spaces Act of 2020" (Better Normal Bill) authored and sponsored by Legarda. “We are in full support of the bike lane program under the Better Normal Bill. Bago magkaroon ng pandemic, mayroong ongoing bike lane project along Pasig River, from Pasig to Manila. Inaayos pa po ang obstructions para maging continuous bike lane siya. Ang ating panaginip ay binibigyan ng pagkakataon na maging isang katotohanan in our near future, sa mga darating na buwan,” said Usec. San Juan. 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 to lead sustainable lives towards a healthier, safer, and much better normal than we used to have. This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA 27 May 2020 – In the third episode of the online discussion series “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic of sustainable urban mobility, House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda will facilitate the discussion on how to encourage cities and citizens to adopt greener modes of transportation and infrastructure.  The third episode will air this Thursday, May 28, 10AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda or facebook.com/CCCPhl. Mr. Red Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities and bike advocate, will join as Legarda’s co-anchor. Resource speakers will include: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Ret. General Danilo Lim; Life Cycles PH founder Keisha Mayuga; urban planner behind the Facebook Page MNL Moves Aldrin Pelicano; The Climate Reality Project (TCRP) Philippines Branch Manager Nazrin Castro; and TCRP leader and cyclist Rommel Miles Corro. As an episode produced in anticipation of World Bicycle Day on June 3, it will highlight the role of bicycles as a common mode of transportation for frontliners and other essential workers during this community quarantine period. It will also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using bicycles, the economic and environmental benefits of cycling, and national and local government strategies to establish bicycle masterplans in key areas. Legarda had earlier written the members of the Metro Manila Council, urging them to declare cycling as an essential mode of transportation and providing recommendations where dedicated and protected bike lanes can be established to link the cities in Metro Manila. 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 to lead sustainable lives towards a healthier, safer, and much better normal than we used to have. This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation.

MANILA 27 May 2020 – Sa ikatlong episode ng online discussion na "Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” tampok ang temang sustainable urban mobility, kung saan pangungunahan ni House Deputy Speaker at Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda ang talakayan kung paano mahihikayat ang mga mga mamamayan at mga local government unit (LGU) na maisulong ang mas luntiang kalakaran ng transportasyon at inprastraktura.   Ang ikatlong episode ay mapapanood ngayong Huwebes ika-28 ng Mayo, 10 ng umaga sa Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda or facebook.com/CCCPhl. Kasama rito si  Red Constantino, Executive Director ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities na isa ring bike advocate, at syang co-anchor ni Deputy Speaker Legarda. Kabilang sa mga imbitadong panauhing tagapagsalita ay sina: Ret. General Danilo Lim; Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman, Keisha Mayuga ng Life Cycles PH, Aldrin Pelicano ng MNL Moves, Nazrin Castro ng The Climate Reality Project (TCRP) Philippines; at Rommel Miles Corro na TCRP leader at cyclist. Bilang paggunita ng World Bicycle Day sa ika-3 ng Hunyo, pahahalagahan at bibigyang-diin ng episode na ito ang papel ng mga bisikleta bilang karaniwang kalakaran ng transportasyon para sa mga frontliners at iba pang mga essential workers sa gitna ng panahong ito ng community quarantine. Tatalakayin din dito ang mga hamon at mga oportunidad sa paggamit natin ng mga bisikleta, ang mga pakinabang pang-ekonomiya at pang-kapaligiran, kasama na rito ang mga plano at pamamaraang pambansa at pang pamahalang-lokal upang bumuo ng mga bicycle masterplans.  Kamakailan lamang sinulatan ni Deputy Speaker Legarda ang mga miyembro ng Metro Manila Council, kung saan hinihikayat silang i-deklara ang pagbibisikleta bilang isang essential mode of transportation at nagsusulong ng mga rekomendasyon kung saan dapat at maaaring makapag-lagay ng mga dedicated at protected bike lanes na mag-uugnay sa mga lungsod ng Metro Manila. Bilang isang online discussion na nakapagsusulong ng kalusugan at climate-friendly, sustainable practices, ang Stories for a Better Normal ay naglalayong baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga mamamayan, pamilya, at mga pamayanan na isulong na mamuhay-sustainable tungo sa isang mas-malusog, mas-ligtas, at isang mas-mabuting "normal" kaysa dati. Ang online discussion ay inorganisa ni Deputy Speaker Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission (CCC), at sinusuportahan ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, at Mother Earth Foundation.

Tuesday | 26 May 2020 | 1PM   In celebration of the Month of the Ocean, the Climate Change Commission, in partnership with RARE Philippines, invites you to a webinar on the importance of oceans and the marine ecosystem as we address climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.   Experts Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay, a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist and Director of Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology of the University of San Agustin; Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, Associate Vice President and Research and Global Relations Director of the Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3) of the University of San Agustin; and Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos from the Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, will join Climate Change Commissioner Noel Antonio Gaerlan and Atty. Alexandra Gamboa of RARE Philippines today at 1PM.   The Great Web: COVID-19, Climate Change, and The Ocean will be on livestream on Rare Philippines Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/RareOrgPH].

This Thursday, catch Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with co-anchor Red Constantino of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities in the third episode of "Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways" tackling the topic – Sustainable Urban Mobility. The series is organized in partnership with the Climate Change Commission. See you this May 28, 2020 at 10 AM onwards via Facebook Live!

MANILA 24 MAY 2020 – Nanghikayat si Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda sa mamamayan na magtanim at magkaroon ng kani-kaniyang gulayan sa bakuran ng tahanan at pamayanan upang makapagdagdag sa suplay ng pagkain.   Sinabi ito ni Legarda sa ikalawang episode ng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” isang online knowledge-for-action series ukol sa COVID-19 at climate emergency. Ang ikalawang episode ay tungkol sa mga pamamaraan kung paanong maski sino ay maaaring magtanim ng sarili nilang pagkain at kung papaanong mapapanatili ang urban at community gardens.   Itinampok ang mga payo ng mga panauhing tagapagsalita na sina: Assistant Director Rosana Mula ng Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), Niccolo Aberasturi ng DowntoEarth PH, Patis Tesoro ng PatisTito Garden Café & Permaculture Farm, journalist at content writer ng Almost Diplomatic blog na si Carol Malasig, at Barangay Captain Sheryl Nolasco ng Barangay Potrero, Malabon.      “Sa pamamagitan ng urban home gardening at backyard farming, tinuturuan natin ang ating mga sarili kung papaanong maging self-sufficient, lalung-lalo na sa panahon ngayon ng pandemic at climate crisis. Sa pamamagitan ng simpleng pamamaraan, pwede nating i-convert ang mga bakanteng lugar sa ating mga bahay, maski na sa maliit na apartment o condo unit, at makapag-tanim tayo ng mga prutas, gulay, o mga halaman. Ang pagsisikap nating magkaroon ng “better normal” ay ang pagsisiguro din na mayroon tayong sapat na suplay ng pagkain sa ating mga tahanan,” sabi ni Legarda, na isa ring home gardener at may-akda ng House Bill No. 637 o Food Forest Gardening Act of 2019.    Tinalakay ni Assistant Director Mula ang programang “Plant, Plant, Plant,” ng pamahalaan na naglalayong madagdagan ang agri-fishery output ng bansa at suplay ng murang pagkain sa bansa. Ibinahagi din niya na tumutulong ang DA-ATI sa libreng distribusyon ng starter kits.   “Mayroong starter kits for households, para sa mga nakatira sa condominium, at para sa mga walang sapat na lugar. Ang nasabing kits ay naglalaman ng lupa, compost, buto, at may kalakip na detalyadong impormasyon kung papaanong mapapalaki ang mga halaman. Hinihikayat din natin ang pagkakaroon ng entrepreneurial spirit sa ating mga mamamayan upang makapagtanim ng pagkain na maaaring ibenta din sa kani-kaniyang mga pamayanan,” sabi ni Mula.    Binigyang diin naman ni Aberasturi ang basics ng food gardening, tulad ng regenerative agriculture at ang proseso ng mulching, pati na rin ang mga inisyatibo ng Down To Earth PH sa pagsulong at pagpalaganap ng compact ecosystems at vertical gardens.     “Dapat sabay ang pagtanim ng pagkain at paglinis ng kapaligiran. Importante ang organikong pamamaraan sa pagpapatubo: ‘yung tubig kailangan lang mawala ang chlorine para mabuhay siya. Dapat hindi natin papatayin ‘yung mga mikrobyo na nagpapabuhay ng mga halaman natin.  In short, pakainin natin ‘yung lupa at ‘yung lupa ang magpapakain sa mga halaman natin,” sabi ni Aberasturi.   Tinalakay ni Tesoro, na isa ring matagal nang tagapagsulong ng heritage preservation at indigenous textiles, ang kaniyang karanasan sa “permaculture.”   “Ang proseso ng pagtatanim ay kadalasang nangangailangan ng masinsinang organisasyon. Hindi ka lamang magtatanim ng maski ano o basta na lamang makikipagsapalaran at baka ika’ mag-aksaya ng pera, panahon, at gastos. Ang permaculture ay ang pagaaral ng iyong tatanimang kalupaan at kapaligiran nang hindi kinakailangang magputol ng mga puno. Ito ay ang pagtatanim ng anumang likas na tumutubo sa iyong lugar, at pagsisikap na maging organic,” sabi ni Tesoro.   Ibinahagi naman ni Malasig, na nakatira sa Berlin, Germany, ang konsepto ng Kleingarten o “small garden” at kung paanong binibigyang halaga ng mga Aleman ang urban gardening bilang bahagi ng kanilang pamumuhay, lalung lalo na ang mga nakatira sa lungsod, sa mga apartments na walang sapat na espasyo.   “Para sa karamihan ng mga Germans, ang gardening ay isang napakahalagang bahagi ng buhay. Karamihan sa kanila, maski na doon sa mga nakatira sa lungsod, sinisiguro na mayroon silang kani-kaniyang tanim sa tahanan. Mayroon din silang tinatawag na “kleingarten,” kung saan ang mga mamamayan ay maaaring mag-apply ng permit sa gobyerno para gumamit ng maliliit na espasyo para sa isang garden. Siyempre, kinakailangan nila itong alagaang mabuti, at kung hindi, maaaring bawian sila ng permit,” sabi ni Malasig.    Ibinahagi din ni Barangay Captain Nolasco kung papaanong ang Barangay Potrero, sa tulong ni Legarda at ng Mother Earth Foundation, ay nagsulong at nagpatupad ng ecological solid waste management. Kinilala ang Potrero sa Best Solid Waste Management Program Award ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sa taong 2016.   “Noong nakaraang tatlong taon, natutunan ng Brgy. Potrero ang ecological solid waste management at itinuro po namin ito sa 12,000 na mga kabahayan para bigyang importansya ang paghihiwalay ng basura. Ang unang Materials Recovery Facility ay nakatayo sa isang pribadong lote at ngayo’y nakapagpo-produce na ng gulay at medicinal plants na ipinamimigay namin sa karatig-lugar,” sabi ni Nolasco.   Ipinakita rin ni Deputy Speaker Legarda ang sarili niyang gulayan sa bakuran, at sinabing ang pagtatanim ng mga prutas at gulay sa tahanan at mga pamayanan ay isa sa mga paraan para masiguro na may masustansyang pagkain kahit sa gitna ng kasalukuyang krisis.    “Ang paraan para makasulong tayo tungo sa kinabukasan, ang paraan para mabuhay tayo sa panahon ngayon, ay ang hindi pagbalik sa kung papaano tayong namuhay noon. Isang malaking kamalian na para bang wala tayong natutunan sa ating mga pinagdadaanan ngayon. Ang better normal ay ang pamumuhay na mas sustainable, malusog, matatag at ligtas para sa lahat,” pagtatapos ni Legarda.

MANILA, 22 May 2020 — In observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for solidarity in bending the curve of biodiversity loss to prevent the risks of future viral outbreaks and to help address the prevailing climate emergency. According to the CCC, the theme for this year’s observance, Our Solutions Are In Nature, is a timely and powerful reminder amid the current public health emergency of the fundamental role of biodiversity to human well-being and health. Since the start of the year, governments around the world are pursuing efforts to arrest the spread of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19), a zoonotic disease caused by neglecting the importance of biodiversity management and giving a lenient control on illegal wildlife trade. Reiterating the pronouncement of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that there is a need to re-examine the relationship between the global community and the natural world, the CCC said that efforts to address the impacts of the current public health emergency to economy should be green, climate-resilient, and supportive of the implementation of our environmental laws. These laws include the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 or the Republic Act (RA) No.  9147, Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 or RA 11038, and the Climate Change Act of 2009 or RA 9729—all aimed at protecting the country’s megadiverse natural resources. According to UN-CBD, the Philippines is one of 18 mega-diverse countries in the world. It contains two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plants and animal species, respectively. Species endemism in the country is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife. UN-CBD also reported that the country is one of the world’s known biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus making it one of the top global conservation areas. Currently, the country uses the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Strategies (PBCP) as a framework to protect its 228 key biodiversity areas (KBAs). PBCP incorporates major strategies and immediate actions aimed at sustainably managing and conserving the estimated 10.56 million hectares of KBAs. The CCC said that the protection and conservation of our national resources is the first step toward ushering a better normal for the Filipino people—one that paves the way for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for the generations to come.

MANILA, 20 May 2020 – In the second episode of the online discussion series 'Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways' on the topic, 'Growing Your Own Food 101', Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda will feature the importance of growing your own food and urban gardens at home or with the community.  The second episode will be live streamed this Thursday, May 21, 10:00am, via Facebook Live [www.facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl]. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar will be joining the online conversation to discuss the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” which includes a revitalized urban agriculture and gulayan project. Sec. Dar will also share other initiatives of the DA to support those who wish to start their own backyard and community gardens. Other guests are Mr. Niccolo Aberasturi and Atty. Paula Aberasturi, founders of Down to Earth PH; Ms. Patis Tesoro, owner of PatisTito Garden Café & Permaculture Farm; Barangay Captain Sheryl Nolasco of Potrero, Malabon City, a model barangay for ecological solid waste management,  and Ms. Carol Malasig, Berlin based journalist and content writer of Almost Diplomatic blog, to also share basic steps to start food gardens, related technologies and techniques, and common challenges faced by the urban gardener. Deputy Speaker Legarda will discuss the features of House Bill No. 637 or the Food Forest Gardening Act of 2019, which she has authored in the House of Representatives to institutionalize the Philippine Food Forest Gardening Program. Under the bill, food forest gardening may be established in any parcel of land, public parks and spaces, unutilized and idle public land, community or common spaces of land developments, portions of rural farms, urban housing projects, idle parcels of land in schools, colleges and universities, and yards of households. As an online discussion to promote good health, environmental and climate-friendly, and sustainable practices, Stories for a Better Normal aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities to lead sustainable lives towards a healthier, safer, and much better normal than we used to have. This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 20 May 2020 – Para sa second episode ng online series na 'Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways' sa paksang, 'Growing Your Own Food 101', itatampok ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda ang kahalagahan ng pagtatanim ng sarili mong pagkain at ang pagkakaroon natin ng mga halamanang-lungsod o urban gardens sa ating mga tahanan o pamayanan.  Ang ikalawang episode ay mapapanood sa livestream ngayong Thursday, May 21, 10:00am sa Facebook Live [https://www.facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl]. Maka-kasama si Secretary William Dar ng Department of Agriculture (DA) online para pag-usapan ang “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” kung saan kasama ang mas pinabuti at pinalakas na programang urban agriculture at gulayan project. Ibabahagi din ng kalihim ang iba pang mga simulain ng DA para suportahan ang sinumang may gustong magtanim sa kanilang mga sariling bakuran o lote sa barangay bilang 'community food gardens'. Ang iba pang mga panauhin ay sina Niccolo Aberasturi, founder ng Down to Earth PH; si Patis Tesoro, may-ari ng PatisTito Garden Café & Permaculture Farm; si Barangay Captain Sheryl Nolasco mula sa Barangay Potrero, Lungsod ng Malabon, isang modeong barangay para sa ecological solid waste management,  at si Carol Malasig, isang Berlin-based journalist at content writer ng Almost Diplomatic blog, upang magbahagi din ng mga basic steps para makapag-simula tayo ng ating mga food gardens, kasama ang iba pang mga teknolohiya, at mga hamon na hinaharap ng isang urban gardener. Tatalakayin ni Deputy Speaker Legarda ang mga nilalaman ng House Bill No. 637 o ang Food Forest Gardening Act ng taong 2019, na syang may-akda sa Kongreso. Layon nitong maipatupad ang Philippine Food Forest Gardening Program. Sa ilalim ng panukalang batas, ang food forest gardening ay maaaring maitayo sa anumang lote, pampublikong parke, mga unutilized o idle public land, community o common spaces ng land developments, parte ng rural farms, urban housing projects, parte ng lupa sa mga paaaralan, mga dalubhasaan at mga pamantasan, at mga harapan ng mga kabahayan. Bilang isang online discussion na nakapagsusulong ng magandang kalusugan at climate-friendly, sustainable practices, ang Stories for a Better Normal ay naglalayong baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga mamamayan, pamilya, at mga pamayanan na isulong na mamuhay-sustainable tungo sa isang mas-malusog, mas-ligtas, at isang mas-mabuti at mas-maayos na "normal" kaysa dati. Ang online discussion ay inorganisa ni Deputy Speaker Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission (CCC), at sinusuportahan ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, at Mother Earth Foundation.

Thursday, 21 May 2020 | 10:00 AM The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of food supply chains that serve the food and nutritional security of Filipinos. Growing food at home and in communities is one way to secure and ensure a steady supply of safe and nutritious food even in the most challenging of times. Catch Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with guest experts in a morning conversation on Thursday, 21 May 2020 at 10:00 AM, and learn the basics of urban or backyard farming as they give useful practical advice for starting an urban garden. This knowledge-for-action webinar is brought to you by the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and the Climate Change Commission.

May 14, 2020 - To inspire individuals, households, and communities to adopt sustainable practices for a better normal in light of the pandemic and climate crisis, Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda held her first online discussion of the series “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” a virtual conversation on COVID-19 and the climate emergency. The series is a partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation. In the first episode broadcast earlier today via Facebook Live, Legarda, together with environmental lawyer Ipat Luna, Sonia Mendoza of Mother Earth Foundation, and Red Constantino of ICSC, shared environment and climate-friendly ways to implement at home and in communities, such as installing ecological comfort rooms, conducting backyard farming and edible gardens, implementing ecological solid waste management, and promoting bike sharing for health workers and frontline personnel. “Everyone can lead sustainable lives at home. We can be climate heroes and ecological warriors of our own lives and in our homes, communities, and barangays. Let us teach and inspire our children to be better citizens of our country and the planet,” said Legarda, who authored several landmark laws for the environment and climate change such as the Clean Air Act, Climate Change Act, People’s Survival Fund Act, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Legarda also encouraged everyone to promote safety and sustainability within their households and communities through backyard gardening, waste segregation, recycling, and upcycling. Mendoza mentioned two zero-waste model communities, Brgy. Potrero in Malabon City and Tacloban City, with a high segregation-at-source compliance rate and waste diversion rate, as she emphasized the importance of first having the right mindset. “Unang-una, yung pagpapalit ng kanilang kaisipan, na manggagaling sa puso nila ang pangangalaga sa ating Mother Earth. Kapag zero waste ay walang aksaya. Conserve resources. Walang natitira sa plato. Ubusin ang tubig sa baso. Patayin ang ilaw ‘pag hindi kailangan. Gumamit ng baso sa pag-sipilyo ng ngipin. ‘Wag paghalu-haluin ang mga basura. Simpleng bagay na pwedeng gawin araw-araw,” said Mendoza. Constantino also shared the ICSC’s campaign of promoting bike sharing and donation drives to help health workers and other frontliners to get to work. “Sa local governments kinakailangan may protected, dedicated bike lanes because, while mass transport is going to be critical to long-term development, in a situation where we have to distance ourselves, which means less seats to occupy, at mas mahaba na pila sa MRT/LRT at sa mga bus at jeep, napakahalaga ng bisikleta. If we have bike lanes that are protected, dedicated, and enforced, mas marami pong magbibisikleta,” said Constantino. For environmental lawyer Atty. Ipat Luna, more planting of seeds, installation of proper sewerage systems, and the adoption of a circular economy, are key to eliminate wasteful practices and promote continuous use of resources. “Pakinabangan natin ‘yung mga natutunan natin habang nandito tayo sa mga bahay-bahay natin. Natutunan natin ang konsepto ng oras, na palagi tayo dating nagmamadali. Pero hindi pala mahalaga ang pinagmamadalian. Huwag tayo bumalik sa dati nating nakaugalian. Maging malikhain tayo sa ating mga plano at aksyon,” said Atty. Luna. As an online discussion to promote good health, environmental and climate-friendly, and sustainable practices, Stories for a Better Normal aims to change the mindset of individuals and families to lead sustainable lives towards a healthier, safer, and much better normal than we used to have. “Hindi pwedeng bumalik sa dati, kasi kung bumalik sa dati, para nating binalewala ang sakripisyo ng frontliners, ang buhay ng lahat na namatay na doktor at pasyente ng COVID sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo. Let’s make it worthwhile, let’s show appreciation and gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives and continue to sacrifice now in fighting the war outside of our homes, by learning the lessons and not going back to the previous normal,” Legarda stressed. “Magkakabit ang COVID at ang pagbabagong klima. They are inextricably linked, because even after COVID there could be many more infectious diseases. If we will follow our laws on the environment, climate change, health, and sanitation, life will be better,” Legarda concluded.

Thursday, 14 May 2020 | 10:00-10:30 AM The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives and ushered a new normal for all. Know the challenges in promoting the health of people and planet and the practical ways the Filipino family and community could survive and thrive amid the crisis. Catch Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with guest experts in a morning conversation on this subject on Facebook Live, Thursday, 14 May 2020 | 10:00-10:30 AM. This knowledge-for-action webinar is brought to you by the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and the Climate Change Commission.

MANILA 13 May 2020 – Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda announced today the launch of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” an online conversation that will reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis. The series, a partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), will delve into ways on how Filipino families and communities can prepare for a better normal and lead sustainable lives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first episode will be on May 14, Thursday, at 10:00 a.m., featuring environmental lawyer Atty. Ipat Luna, Sonia Mendoza of the Mother Earth Foundation, and Red Constantino of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways will be streamed via Facebook live [https://www.facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl], and on the Facebook accounts of Mother Earth Foundation and ICSC.

MANILA 7 MAY 2020 – In observance of the Month of the Ocean this May, House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda renewed her call for authorities and citizens to help in the sustainable management and conservation of marine life and resources to protect them from unsustainable human activities. “We rely so much on our oceans for our food, livelihood, and other daily needs, but we have been neglecting our ocean’s health. Plastic pollution, overfishing, waste dumping, oil spills, dynamite fishing, and other destructive human practices are killing the life in our oceans. I once again urge our authorities to enforce our laws to save our marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and habitats from further destruction,” Legarda said. Legarda, who authored the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, said that proper waste management practices, including the segregation of garbage at source and segregated transportation, processing, treatment, and proper disposal of solid waste, should be implemented by all local governments and households to prevent trash from going into our seas. She also mentioned that she also filed House Bill No. 635, which seeks to regulate the manufacturing, importation, and use of single-use plastic products, as well as provide penalties, levies, and incentives for industries, business enterprises, and consumers. Legarda also said that this year’s theme for Ocean’s Month is “Para sa Tao: Protected Areas for a Protected Future,” which aims to provide deeper appreciation and understanding on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their environmental, social, and cultural benefits to the people. A Protected Area is defined as “portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation.” Of the 244 Protected Areas in the Philippines, 35 are Marine Protected Areas. Legarda, who is the principal author of Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (ENIPAS), also underscored the importance of Protected Areas in ensuring food security in the country. “This Month of the Ocean, may we all work together to bring our oceans and marine life back to their pristine state. Let us correct our ways and adopt responsible fishing practices that support ecological balance. Let us do our part in ensuring our future generations can also benefit from the resources we currently enjoy from our oceans,” Legarda concluded.

MANILA, 07 May 2020 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in its adoption of a Sustainable Financial Framework through Circular No. 1085 issued on April 29, 2020. The Sustainable Financial Framework urges banks to embed sustainability principles, including those covering environmental and social risk areas, in their corporate governance framework, risk management systems, and strategic objectives consistent with their size, risk profile and complexity of operations, according to Monetary Board Resolution No. 415 dated 19 March 2020. “Circular No. 1085 s. 2020 on the Sustainable Finance Framework is a landmark achievement by the BSP in supporting the green economy which is the way of the future. This policy framework is the most awaited signal by the banks to seriously consider embedding sustainability principles in their corporate DNA. As the “bank of banks”, the BSP is in the best position to take the lead in greening the financial sector by tracking the same path it did in strengthening the corporate governance of banks. Congratulations to the BSP for its proactive stance in including environmental and social initiatives in its sustainable development agenda,” the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) said in a statement. Climate change and other environmental and social risks could pose a threat to financial stability considering their significant and protracted implications on the operations and financial interests of banks. These risks not only directly affect banks but also their clientele and stakeholders, such as households, businesses, and other financial institutions. The BSP recognizes the critical role of the financial industry in pursuing sustainable and resilient growth by enabling environmentally and social responsible business decisions consistent with the aspirations set out for every Filipino community under the Philippine Development Plan. The banks shall be given a period of three years to fully comply with the Transitory Provisions, adopting a transition plan with specific timelines to implement the board-approved strategies and policies integrating sustainability principles into their corporate governance and risk management frameworks, as well as in their strategic objectives and operations. Banks should provide their board-approved transition plan upon request of the BSP starting six months from the effectivity of the Circular. The World Wild Fund for Nature-Philippines also expressed their support to the new framework. “This aligns the country’s regulatory framework with that of more advanced counties in ASEAN such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. With growing investor interest in green and sustainability-linked bonds in the ASEAN, the country’s banking system is well positioned to tap into this growing segment and is a step forward to financing the country’s SDGs and climate risk mitigation and adaptation projects,” said Mr. Edgardo Tongson, Chief of Party for Sustainable Finance. The CCC, in its continuing efforts to mainstream green financing within the banking sectors, lauds the Sustainable Finance Framework as a pathway toward increased mobilization of climate finance across the country.

MANILA 6 MAY 2020 – House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda today commended and expressed support to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in promulgating the Sustainable Finance Framework, contained in BSP Circular No. 1085, s. 2020, stating that the framework will help advance the country’s growth towards a greener and more sustainable development path. The Circular was issued following approval by the Monetary Board (through Resolution No. 415, March 19, 2020) of a sustainable finance policy framework that sets out expectations on the integration of sustainability principles, including those covering environmental and social (E&S) risks, in banks’ corporate governance and risk management frameworks, as well as in their strategic objectives and operations. “I have long expressed the view that despite the Philippines being a highly vulnerable country to climate change, we have yet to fully unlock our massive potential for green investments. The BSP’s circular on the Sustainable Finance Framework is a welcome policy direction for our banks and financial institutions to enshrine sustainability within their systems of governance and operations,” said Legarda, who authored the Renewable Energy Act, Climate Change Act, and the People’s Survival Fund Act. "As our country and the whole world slowly reopen the economy from closures to the COVID-19 pandemic through financial stimulus packages, we hope that the new policy will lead to the financing of more investments on renewable energy, environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other low carbon and sustainable initiatives,” Legarda added. With the issuance of the Circular, the Sustainable Finance Framework is added in the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB). It declares as a policy that the BSP is “cognizant that climate change and other environmental and social risks could pose financial stability concerns” and that “physical and transition risks arising from climate change could result in significant societal, economic and financial risks affecting the banks and their stakeholders.” It also recognizes the critical role of the financial industry in pursuing sustainable and resilient growth by enabling environmentally and socially responsible business decisions consistent with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). The framework shall be applied to all banks, while branches of foreign banks may adopt relevant policies and strategies of their head office that are consistent with the Circular. Legarda said that the Sustainable Finance Framework will complement existing efforts to enhance the country's resilience against climate impacts through climate finance access. Legarda, as Member of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board, said that the Philippines’ very first country proposal to the GCF secured approval last year of a P500-million grant for multi-hazard impact-based forecasting and early warning systems. This was followed by the country’s inclusion in a multi-country proposal to generate private sector investments on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Three readiness and preparatory support programs worth almost $1.7 million are also underway to enhance the capacities of the Land Bank of the Philippines as accredited entity and other stakeholders involved in securing climate finance once national approval processes are completed. She added that the Climate Change Commission (CCC), as the National Designated Authority to the GCF, has been instrumental in facilitating climate finance access, but should now also work closely with the Bangko Sentral to help our banks and financial institutions adopt the framework and transform our economy.   “Amid this COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis, as the world clamors for a healthier planet as the new normal, I remain optimistic that these efforts and many more can sustain our gains towards resilience,” Legarda concluded.