Young Filipino conservationists and climate advocates will gather virtually to promote meaningful youth engagement in environmental and climate action on the 62nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Campaign For Nature.”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 16 September 2021, 10AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers will win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.   Joining the online conversation are Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee and Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve; Mark Edison Raquino, Research and Development Coordinator of DALUHAY; and Tasha & Bella Tanjutco, Co-founders of Kids for Kids PH to campaign for an immediate, collective action for biodiversity conservation.

The 61st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the stories and narratives of people strengthening their efforts and implementing risk resiliency programs to address the impacts of climate change in their communities through the Cash-for-Work project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 9 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Ma. Victoria P. Morelos, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) from Bulakan, Bulacan; Jayson Salenga, Site Manager of Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands; Jowey C. Celzo, MSWDO from Anda, Pangasinan; and    Jenny Gandaloza Ontok, President of the Muslim Women’s Rural Worker Association in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Representatives from the public and private sectors will gather virtually to promote the regulation of single-use plastics as well as the strict implementation of ecological solid waste management on the 60th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Time to Clean Up!” The episode is organized in celebration of the National Clean Up Month.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 2 September 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Mr. Vincent Alon, Head of Solid Waste Management Research & Training Division of the local government of Muntinlupa City; Mr. Saar Herman, Chief Technology Officer of Green Antz Builders, Inc.; and Ms. Mharee Lynn Guillena of the National Clean Up Day Coalition.

The 59th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the continuing efforts of local government units and national government agencies to promote and advance sustainable urban mobility in Metro Manila.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 26 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are representatives from the local governments of Pasig City, San Juan City, Marikina City, Quezon City; and officials from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to share their respective active transport (biking and walking) plans, initiatives, and experience.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) invites all sectors to join the 10th National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE) Forum on Tuesday, 24 August 2021 through Zoom online and CCC Facebook Live.   With the theme, “Climate Action Onwards - Next Steps for Philippines' Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,” this NPTE Forum shall discuss the urgent work on capacity and knowledge building for all facets of climate action.   The forum will feature the following presentations: El Niño droughts: A predictive tool we can use and how climate change complicates things, by Dr. Carlos Primo C. David; Slow onset events and our required response, by Ms. Lourdes V. Tibig; Sea level rise and its impacts on our country, by Dr. Fernando P. Siringan; Safeguarding projects against maladaptation, by Dr. Rosa T. Perez; Challenges and opportunities in risk transfer mechanism as climate adaptation strategy, by Dr. Felino P. Lansigan; and Formulating the mitigation component of the NDC, by Dr. Leoncio A. Amadore.

The 58th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature the special citation winners  for 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) for gender-responsive climate programs of local government units and organizations.   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 19 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.

The University of the Philippines Visayas - Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT), College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) invites the public to join the online forum on seafood safety and the use of sustainable packaging materials for seafood products this 18 August 2021.   The second #WayForwardWednesdays webinar series about current trends on post-harvest fisheries and food science endeavors to highlight the best practices in the production of food products including the use of sustainable packaging materials, and encourage research exploring the potential of different earth-friendly materials as packaging for fishery products.

Department of Education (DepEd) learners will gather to educate, inspire and encourage their fellow children to take the lead in climate action on the 57th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Climate Action Stories of Children, Written by Children”   The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 12 August 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 DepEd personnel and learners including Director Ronildo Co and Ms. Zherluck Shaen Rodriguez of DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Ckyr M. Leonardo from Valencia National High School (Division of Valencia City), Joshua Ofiasa Villalobos of the Youth for Climate Hope (Division of Bacolod City), Raaina P. Hinay of Kids Who Farm (Division of Zamboanga City); and Amabelle Franchesca, a campus journalist from Congressional Integrated High School (Division of Cavite).

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)

Filipino environmental advocates will gather virtually to demonstrate environment-friendly and regenerative architectural innovation on the 55th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Building for Nature.”   The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 29 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Filipino innovators Architect Ronnie Yumang, ASEAN architect and environmental planner and Beau Baconguis, Earth builder and permaculturist.

Officials and researchers from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country will gather virtually to raise awareness on the indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSPs) on sustainable development and environmental conservation, and promote the documentation and safeguarding of traditional knowledge systems during the 54th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Traditional Knowledge is Power!”   The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 22 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are SUCs that lead the way in the documentation of IKSPs including Dr. Serafin Ngohayon from Ifugao State University; Ms. Anna Razel Ramirez from University of the Philippines - Visayas; Dr. Pablo Crespo, President of University of Antique; and Mr. Sajed Ingilan of the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Plant experts will gather virtually to promote the critical role of indigenous plants in enhancing biodiversity and adapting to climate change on the 52nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Saving Indigenous Plants.”   The program, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 8 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are experts in the preservation, promotion, and propagation of Philippine indigenous plants including Architect Rey Solero of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc.; Ronald Achacoso, Curator of the Pinto Arboretum of Philippine Plants; Prof. Liezl M. Atienza, a Nutritionist-Dietician from the University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB); and Leo Fuentes of the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura sa Mindanao.

Urban gardeners will gather virtually to share their experience of setting up and maintaining their home and community food gardens and to encourage households and communities to start their own edible gardens on the 51st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “May Pagkain sa Bakuran.” The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 1 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Joining the online conversation are guests including Diding Libao, leader of Inang Maria’s Garden of Payatas; Christine Joy Tomate and Jeanny Flojimon of Food Today Food Tomorrow Payatas; Atty. JC Tejano of Greenfields Green Commune; and Nicole Obligacion,  urban gardener of Anyone Can Garden Facebook blog.

Individuals and organizations from Siargao will gather virtually to promote ecosystems protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development on the 50th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Sustainable Travel Series: Siargao.”   The program, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 24 June 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are guests including Vice Mayor Alfredo Matugas Coro II of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; Andi Eigenmann, celebrity and social media influencer; Jerlyn Rabaca from Espoir School of Life; and Kara Rosas from Lokal Lab Siargao, to share ways on how travel can be sustainable, inspiring, and life-changing post-pandemic or in the better normal.

Community pantry organizers will gather virtually to exhibit sustainable and green practices in organizing and participating in community-based initiatives on the 49th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Zero-waste and Innovative Community Pantries.”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 17 June 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are community pantry organizers from various areas in the country including  Adeline Almelor from Brgy. San Miguel Iriga City , Camarines Sur Zero Waste Community Pantry; Maricon Alvarez from Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) Malabon Community Pantry; Jay-vee Mendoza from Anahaw, San Pedro, Laguna Community Plant-ry; Edren Llanillo, Co-founder of Go Bike Project, Bugallon, Pangasinan; and Evelyn Vergara, Founder of the Community Reading Pantry of Tabotong Elementary School in Saranggani Province.

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.

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.

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.

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.