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.

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.

Sustainable farming advocates will gather virtually to share knowledge on the socio-economic, environmental, and climate benefits of regenerative agriculture on the 44th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Farms of the Future.”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 6 May 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are resource persons including Moises Butic, Ifugao muyong system practitioner; Renée Perrine, Co-Founder of Hineleban Farms; and Nicolo and Paula Aberasturi, Founders of Earth Flora Inc.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) invite local government units (LGUs) to join the Local Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) Webinar, a virtual orientation on identifying and tagging climate change plans, activities, and programs in local investment plans and programs.   The webinar will be held via Zoom and streamed live on the CCC Facebook page on the following dates: May 4 for Luzon LGUs; May 5 for Visayas LGUs; and May 6 for Mindanao LGUs.   The virtual orientation will cover eight essential topics on climate science and the policy responses of the Philippine government – zooming into entry points for national and local action. Climate change planning and investment programming based on actual local government experience will also be shared to add practical knowledge.

Entrepreneurs of the trendy Poblacion area in Makati will gather virtually to raise awareness on how local businesses are advancing environmental sustainability and preservation of cultural heritage on the 43rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Makati Poblacion: Empowering Local.”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 29 April 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are young entrepreneurs Samantha Nicole Samonte, Programming Director of Futur:st; Rachel Harrison, owner of Zambawood Private Event Space; Architect Jed Yabut, a rattan artist; and Chef Christine Zarandin, founding chef of Wantusawa Oysters.

In celebration of Earth Day this April 22, distinguished policymakers will gather virtually to share information on the current discussions on the bill to ban single-use plastics nationwide on the 42nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “The Single-Use Plastics Problem: Perspective from Policymakers.”   The episode, hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 22 April 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, as part of the Earth Day 2021 Webcast – PINASiglang Mundo.   The Earth Day 2021 Webcast – PINASiglang Mundo is organized by the Climate Change Commission, Department of Finance, Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda,  and The Climate Reality Project Philippines, in collaboration with the Break Free from Plastic Philippines coalition, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Local Government Academy, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, and British Embassy Manila, with support from the Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc., Odistry, GMA Network, and CNN Philippines.   Joining the online conversation are notable policymakers Rep. Edgar Chatto, Chair of the House Committee on Climate Change and Representative of the First District of Bohol; Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Chair of the House Committee on Ecology - Technical Working Group on Single-Use Plastics and Representative of the Third District of Negros Occidental; and Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Albay, Focal for Environment and Climate Change of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

Sustainable food enthusiasts will gather again virtually for the second part of the topic, “Oh My Gulay!” to share further knowledge on plant-based diets and to raise awareness on the benefits of plant-based food to the local economy, human health and the environment on the 41st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways.” This is the last special episode for the observance of National Food Month.   The episode, hosted by three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 15 April 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are plant-based advocates including Cherrie Atilano, Founder and CEO of AGREA Agricultural Systems International; Roni Matalog, Founder of Plants & Purpose; Chef Lilibeth “B” Camposano, Founder of The Sexy Kitchen by B; and Adolf Aguilar, Chief of Youth Formation Division of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Plant-based chefs will gather virtually to share knowledge on plant-based diets, including preservation of vegetable dishes in Filipino cuisine, and to raise awareness on the power of plant-based food to address the climate crisis on the 40th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Oh My Gulay!”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 8 April 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live through the  Climate Change Commission, Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and the Department of Education.   Joining the online conversation are sustainable food enthusiasts including Chef Mae Dolonius of Studio Plantmaed; Chef JR Royol, host of GMA’s Farm to Table; and Asha Peri of Ecology of Food to discuss nutritious and sustainable food consumption through easy-to-do, plant-based recipes.

Bamboo experts and advocates will gather virtually to share knowledge on bamboo farming and opportunities in bamboo development in the new normal on the 39th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Bamboo is Life!” This is the last of the four-part episode which focuses on supporting resilient livelihoods.   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 25 March 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation to generate broader public support to the bamboo industry are Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur First District Representative Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano; Mayor Esmie Pineda of Lubao, Pampanga; Philippine Bamboo Foundation President Ed Manda; and Architect Jed Michael de Guzman, a bamboo material expert and agripreneur.

In line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month, Filipina climate resilience leaders will gather virtually to put a spotlight on the innovative work of women in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and in national pandemic recovery on the 38th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Juana Laban sa Krisis sa Klima at Pandemya: Kaya!”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 18 March 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are women champions of resilience, including Atty. Lesley Jeanne Cordero, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist of World Bank; Ms. Lara Jean Salaysay, a Climate Reality Leader and Project Development Officer of the Department of Education (DepEd); and Ms. Louise Mabulo, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Young Champion of the Earth 2019.

Women coffee enthusiasts will gather virtually to share knowledge on the coffee industry – farming,  processing, retail, and marketing – and its challenges and opportunities in the new normal on the 37th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Kwentong Kape ng mga Kababaihan.” This is a third of the four-part episode which focuses on supporting resilient livelihoods.   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 11 March 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Filipina coffee connoisseurs, including Pacita “Chit” Juan, Co-chair of Philippine Coffee Board, Inc.; Jocelyn Mamar, a coffee farmer; and Rosario Juan, Chief Executive Officer of the Commune Café.

Filipino brick and pottery makers will gather virtually to share knowledge on the traditional crafts and masterpieces made of clay, and to generate broader public support to the pottery and brickmaking industry and other culture-based livelihoods on the 36th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Pottery and Brickmaking Enterprises.” This is the second of the four-part episode which focuses on promoting resilient livelihoods.   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 4 March 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are potters and brickmakers from the various areas in the country, including Sheryl Ebon-Martinez, a ceramicist from Oryoqi Handmade Pottery; Siegrid Bangyay, a ceramic artist from Sagada, Mountain Province; Alvin Obrique, pottery maker from Sibalom, Antique; and Anacleto Amar, brickmaker from Tibiao, Antique. They will also be joined by Nelia Elisa Florendo, chief of Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology; Rosaly Jean Resolute, Business Counsellor from Negosyo Center of the Department of Trade and Industry; and Elsie Marie Carloto, a ceramic teacher and researcher at the University of Antique.