MANILA, 03 August 2021 — The 56th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature gender-responsive climate programs of local government units and organizations that topped this year’s “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards,” an initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 5 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Joining the first of the two-part episode are: Undersecretary Analiza Teh from Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mayor Doris E. Maniquiz of Botolan, Zambales – “Women Leadership, Trailblazers of Environmental Sustainability” (First prize winner) Mr. Eduardo M. Bisquera Jr. from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources of Zamboanga City – “Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (GHG): Zamboanga City Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation” (Second prize winner) Mayor Maria Clarita G. Limbaro of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur – Sagip-Wakatan Program: Kwentong KLIMA-likasan ng Bayabas, Surigao del Sur (Third prize winner) “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan” featured stories and narratives of women and men, and organizations, addressing the impacts of climate change in their communities through gender-responsive programs related to environmental protection and conservation, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. 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.
MAYNILA, ika-03 ng Agosto taong 2021 — Sa ika-55 na episode ng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways”, ibinida ng mga panauhin ang kanilang housing at architectural structures na nagpapakita ng konseptong regenerative architecture at Earthen shelters na sadyang disaster- at climate-resilient. Itinampok sa online na talakayan, na hango sa konsepto at pangunguna ng dating three-term Senator, at ngayo’y Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda kasama bilang co-host si Atty. Ipat Luna ang mga nature advocate at innovator na sina Architect Ronnie Yumang, ASEAN architect at environmental planner; at si Beau Baconguis, Earth builder at permaculturist. Sumali rin sa nasabing talakayan si Rhea Matute, Executive Director ng Department of Trade and Industry - Design Center of the Philippines. “Ano’ng klaseng bahay ba ang bagay sa Pilipinas? Dapat iakma natin. Dito pumapasok ang disaster risk reduction. Mayroon tayong mga risks na hindi natin maiiwasan dahil na rin sa kalikasan. Maaaring bawasan natin ang ating risk o ang pagkakataon na tayo’y masalanta. ‘Yun ang DRR. Component n’yan, vulnerability. Dahil ang Pilipinas ay madalas tamaan ng bagyo, palakas nang palakas, patindi nang patindi dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, ay vulnerable tayo o madaling matamaan, pati na rin ng drought o ‘yung matinding tagtuyot. Apektado diyan ang pagkain, agrikultura, at fisheries. Proteksyon natin sa lahat ng elementong ‘yan ang ating tahanan,” pagbibigay-diin ni Deputy Speaker Legarda. Ibinahagi ni Architect Ronnie Yumang, na siyang developer ng MAKA Forest Villas and Residences, kung paano nga ba ang regenerative architecture systems, isang sistema kung saan tuwirang nakikipag-ugnayan ang tao sa kaniyang kapaligiran higit pa sa ordinaryong saving at sustainability. "Maski na mapuno pa natin ang mundo ng sustainable certified buildings, makatutulong ba itong mapabuti ang kalagayan ng kalusugan ng ating daigdig? Hindi lamang ito ang magiging solusyon, kinakailangan nating sumulong patungo sa isang regenerative solution. Kinakailangan nating simulang maibalik ang kasaganaang dating taglay ng daigdig. Ibig sabihin nito, kinakailangan ay punan natin ‘yung mga nawala instead na nagse-save lamang tayo, na ibalik kung ano ‘yung mga dating abundance na mayroon ang Earth,” pahayag ni Architect Yumang. “Buong mundo, kumu-konsumo ng 10 billion tons ng semento at 50 billion tons ng buhangin kada taon. Nakakabahalang malaman na ang mga yamang ito ay nauubos at ‘di na natin maibabalik pa sa susunod na 200 milyong taon. Nauubusan na nga tayo ng buhangin sa kasalukuyan. Hindi ito pang-habang panahon, hindi ito unlimited. If we continue to overconsume, mauubos ito at sa pagdating ng panahon ay magmamahal ang presyo nito,” dagdag pa ni Architect Yumang. Samantala, ipinakita naman ni Beau Baconguis ang mga dome, vault, at cylinder houses na maaaring makatagal at makaligtas sa mga climate hazards at magsilbing emergency shelters. Ipinakilala niya ang SuperAdobe pati na ang earthbag method sa paggawa nito. Ito’y isang building method na gumagamit ng basic elements ng lupa, tubig, hangin, at apoy – lupa, mga sako ng bigas at iba pang mga basic materials sa structures. “Kinakailangan nating maintindihan ang mga building principles upang hindi natin mai-compromise ang structural integrity lalo’t higit kung ito'y tirahan ng tao. Kinakailangan nating dagdagan ang advocacy para sa Earth Architecture. Mayroong iba't ibang mga uri ng Earth Architecture methods na ginagamit dito sa Pilipinas at kinakailangan nating magkaroon ng mga network para lahat tayo ay maaaring magkaroon ng pag-uusap na magkasama,” giit ni Baconguis. 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 bawat Pilipino at pamayanan sa mga hamon ng climate change at ng pandemya, tungo sa buhay na maka-kalikasan at sustainable sa ilalim ng ‘better normal’. 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, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines at Mother Earth Foundation.
MANILA, 02 August 2021 — The 55th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” featured housing and architectural structures that demonstrate the concepts of regenerative architecture and Earthen shelters that are disaster- and climate-resilient. The online conversation conceptualized and hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda with co-host Atty. Ipat Luna featured nature advocates and innovators Architect Ronnie Yumang, ASEAN architect and environmental planner; and Beau Baconguis, Earth builder and permaculturist. Department of Trade and Industry – Design Center of the Philippines Executive Director Rhea Matute also joined. “Anong klaseng bahay ba ang bagay sa Pilipinas? Dapat iakma natin ang ating pamamahay. Dito pumapasok ang disaster risk reduction. Mayroon tayong mga risks na hindi natin maiiwasan dahil na rin sa kalikasan. Maaring bawasan natin ang ating risk o ang pagkakataon na tayo’y masalanta. ‘Yun ang DRR. Component nyan, vulnerability. Dahil ang Pilipinas ay madalas tamaan ng bagyo, palakas nang palakas, patindi nang patindi dahil sa pagbabago ng klima, ay vulnerable tayo o madaling matamaan, pati na rin ng drought o ‘yung matinding tagtuyot. Apektado diyan ang pagkain, agrikultura, at fisheries. Proteksyon natin sa lahat ng elementong yan ang ating tahanan,” Legarda emphasized. Architect Yumang, developer of Maka Forest Villas and Residences, introduced regenerative architecture systems thinking, a system that connects humans with the environment and goes beyond just conventional saving and sustainability. “Even if we conquer the world with sustainable certified buildings, will it actually improve the condition of our Earth’s health? This will not be the only solution, we should go towards a regenerative solution. We should start replenishing our lost Earth’s plenitude. Ibig sabihin nito, kinakailangan ay punan natin ‘yung mga nawala instead na nagse-save lamang tayo, na ibalik kung ano ‘yung mga dating abundance na meron ang Earth,” said Architect Yumang. “The world consumes 10 billion tons of cement and 50 billion tons of sand every year. It is alarming to know that these resources are finite and not renewable in the next 200 million years, and we are actually running out of sand. Hindi ito pang-habang panahon, hindi ito unlimited. Kinakailangan po ngayon na tipirin natin ito. Otherwise, if we continue to overconsume, mauubos ito at darating ‘yung panahon na magmamahal yung presyo nito,” he added. Baconguis showed domes, vaults, and cylinder houses that can withstand climate hazards and serve as emergency shelters. She introduced SuperAdobe or Earthbag method, a building method that utilizes the basic elements of earth, water, air, and fire – soil, rice sacks and basic materials in structures. “We need to understand first the building principles involved so we don’t compromise the structural integrity especially if you’re going to live in it. We need to increase the advocacy for Earth Architecture. There are different types of Earth Architecture methods being used here in the Philippines and we need to have networks so that we can all have a conversation together,” said Baconguis. 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, 29 July 2021 — The Philippine government continues to demonstrate stronger resolve in addressing the country’s growing problem on plastic pollution as government agencies converge to hold a conference to present and identify more sustainable alternatives and solutions to single-use plastics (SUPs). The event, entitled “Innovations Towards Green Economy: A Joint Conference on Environment-Friendly Alternative Plastics,” is organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with the Department of Finance (DOF), Climate Change Commission (CCC), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and will be held on Friday, 30 July 2021, 9:00 AM via Zoom and Facebook Live. Resource speakers will present on policies and regulations on SUPs and feature innovative solutions through research and development. DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, DOF Secretary and CCC chair-designate Carlos G. Dominguez, and DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu will deliver messages. CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera will present on the circular economy and why this principle and value chain approach is relevant in light of the climate crisis. Industry sector representatives will also be part of the discussion. With the House of Representatives approval and final reading of House Bill 9147 or the “Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act,” the conference builds momentum on further enabling the environment to addressing SUPs. Atty. Dilbert Quetulio, Committee Secretary of the House Committee on Ecology, will discuss the salient provisions of the bill and its goal to accelerate development of sustainable solutions to plastics. Plastic is a pervasive and commonly-used material in the Philippines due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. However, plastics pose significant risks to public health and the environment, while exacerbating climate change due to the fossil fuels used in its production up to disposal. This conference aims to support a green and just transition towards a plastic-free and more sustainable Philippines. To join, participants are encouraged to register through this link: https://forms.gle/pDEcTomnGAvRwNpx9. For more details, please visit the Facebook pages of the DOST facebook.com/DOSTph; DOF at facebook.com/DOFPH; CCC at facebook.com/CCCPhl, and DENR at facebook.com/DENROfficial for more details.
MANILA, 27 July 2021 — Three months before the crucial 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the British Embassy of Manila and the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda convened a virtual roundtable discussion (RTD) with several civil society organizations (CSOs) in the country. Co-chaired by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and UK Minister of State for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change Anne-Marie Trevelyan, with support from British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce and the Climate Change Commission, the "Road to Glasgow: A Roundtable Discussion with Non-Government Actors" aimed to solicit the views of CSOs on critical issues on adaptation and resilience in the Philippines that need to be brought forward to COP26. “This roundtable discussion is necessary for us to be in full gear for COP26, which promises to make the Paris Agreement fully operational. Under the UK Presidency, we hope to have a COP26 that is truly inclusive and ensures accountability, musters political will, and consolidates bold commitments from all nations, especially the industrialized world,” Legarda stressed in her opening message. "We have seen [an] increasing number of NDCs coming, half of them as ambitious as perhaps they could be and we continue to encourage robust review of that, country by country. One of the key factors we mentioned is that we are driving really hard for coal phase-out, because coal is one of the clearest polluters. There are alternatives as well, therefore we are pushing for that,” said Trevelyan. The discussion also aimed to increase understanding of climate change adaptation and resilience priorities in the Philippines from CSOs who are actively engaged in the climate space and to gather their insights on the role of non-government actors to help achieve a whole-of-society, inclusive COP26. The CSOs in the RTD expressed their support in lobbying leaders’ commitment on the four goals of COP26: Mitigation – secure global net-zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach; Adaptation – urgently adapt to protect communities and natural habitats; Mobilizing finance, and Collaboration – work together to accelerate action. Statements from the CSOs expressed optimism, a sense of urgency, and the need for accountability and ambition for the COP: "We hope that we can agree in Glasgow to more ambition-raising mechanisms, not just every five years. If we can create platforms to which the countries can increase their ambitions without having to wait for five years, then it will save a lot in terms of catching up to the lost time because of COVID-19, but also that we can look towards a transformational momentum that goes across beyond our countries and regions to one where the world could actually work together towards economy and investment,” said Red Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. "We cannot frame climate change as an intergenerational responsibility if we exclude the younger generations and limit these discussions to those who have allowed our planet to be in this state of the climate crisis we are in. We hope that COP26 will genuinely provide meaningful space and a platform for our young climate leaders to communicate their thoughts, exchange ideas, and seek support for their initiatives,” said Nazrin Castro, Country Manager of The Climate Reality Project-Philippines. "Being with Living Laudato Si’ Philippines, there should be the recognition of the role of faith communities, both moral and active forces to ensure higher ambitions. It would be a strategic approach of COP26 Presidency, different from any other COPs, especially the presence of Pope Francis, hopefully, in Glasgow, and the participation of many faith-based organizations, religions, in global pilgrimages leading to Scotland,” said Rodne Galicha, National Convenor of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas. He also sought measures to ensure prioritization of climate finance in the COP—financing in the form of grants, not loans, which may be negotiated bilaterally. “We know that the Paris Agreement is intended to be a durable and long-term agreement and it should have room for innovation and further elaboration on the strategies and approaches,” said Gia Ibay, Head of the Climate Change and Energy Programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines. She called for an “all hands on deck, whole-of-society approach” in addressing the climate crisis, particularly in drawing the path for a green COVID-19 recovery where the potential of nature-based solutions are maximized. “It is imperative that we make sure that women's global voices, interests, and perspectives are fairly represented at the leadership of COP26. Climate change is a huge threat, but women play a fundamental role in our fight against it. Any problems we face as a result will be easier to solve if both men and women are equally included in solving them,” said Atty. Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK! Philippines. "One legacy of the UK COP Presidency is to operationalize nature-based solutions, distinguish it from adaptation, and link it up with clear, ambitious, with measurable finance,” said Atty. Ping Peria, adviser to the Philippines’ climate change adaptation, loss and damage, and agriculture themes at the UN climate change negotiations. The COP26, happening from October 31 to November 12 of this year in Glasgow, Scotland under the presidency of the United Kingdom, in partnership with Italy, is a momentous time for governments to report and strengthen their commitments toward the fulfillment of the six-year-old Paris Agreement on Climate Change. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was re-scheduled from its initial schedule in November 2020 to ensure that all parties can focus on containing the spread of the virus. The Philippines is further advancing the implementation of Paris Agreement targets as it officially submitted its ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions in April 2021, bannering a projected 75% greenhouse gas emissions reduction and avoidance, of which 2.71% is unconditional and 72.29% is conditional, representing the country's ambition for GHG mitigation for the period 2020 to 2030 for the sectors of agriculture, wastes, industry, transport, and energy. The Philippines is also the first in the region to set a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants and to expand the use of renewables for both environmental and reliability purposes. This could reduce emissions by 32-35% in 2030 in comparison to current policy projections. In closing, Legarda stressed that: "We are all in this together. We must all campaign for nature, for 1.5C, for loss and damage, for climate adaptation, for mobilizing finance, and to make sure that COP26 will make history to be a successful COP where we were able to operationalize the four goals we set at the beginning with the UK COP Presidency." See the latest updates on the upcoming COP26 by visiting its official website at https://ukcop26.org/.
