Indigenous weaving advocates will gather virtually to promote appreciation of traditional and ecosystem-based livelihoods and share information on ways to enhance the resilience of rural livelihoods to the pandemic and climate crisis on the 35th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Protect Indigenous Weaving!” This is the first 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, 18 February 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Virginia Doligas, general manager of Easter Weaving Room Inc.; Anya Lim, co-founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery; and Atty. Emerson Cuyo, director of Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO) to discuss how to preserve and protect our local weaving patterns against counterfeit and giving indigenous peoples (IPs) a voice through intellectual property rights.

Practitioners and advocates of sustainability will gather virtually to promote sustainability in agriculture, food, and lifestyle, and to show love for the common home this Valentines’ on the 34th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “In Love with Sustainability.”   The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator and House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 11 February 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are advocates including Chit Juan, Founder of ECHOfarms and ECHOstore; Chef Jam Melchor, Head of Slow Food Youth Network Philippines; and Anna Manalastas, certified and registered yoga teacher, to share their practices and promote sustainable living.

Model communities and organizations implementing proper waste segregation practices toward ecological solid waste management and sustainability will be featured in the 33rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Basura Ko, Responsibilidad Ko.” The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 4 February 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda. Joining the online conversation are representatives from the various sectors including Yza Nazal-Habunal, City Environment and Transportation Coordinator and Acting City Agriculturist of Navotas City; Anna Maria Gonzales, Sustainability and Planning Manager of Ayala Land Inc.; and Almira Muro of the E-waste Project of the University of the Philippines-Diliman to share their practices and promote proper segregation of waste at home, in establishments, and in the community.

The Climate Change Commission invites you to the 2nd NDC Multi-stakeholder Consultation on the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) this Wednesday, 3 February 2021, 10:00 AM through Zoom Teleconference and Facebook Live.   This consultation aims to update the public on the NDC development and submission to the UNFCCC.   With national government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations, this second NDC Consultation will discuss sectoral ambition and targets for the NDC and solicit inputs to enhance the document.   Interested participants may register through this link: bit.ly/2ndNDCMultiStakeholderConsultation   We look forward to your active participation.   Thank you!   #NDCPilipinas  #ItoAngAmbagKo  #ClimateActionPH  #ClimateJusticePH

Labor officials and career experts will gather virtually to discuss job opportunities, including green skills training programs, in public and private sectors in times of pandemic on the 32nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Jobs Fair: May Trabaho Ka!.”   The episode, hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 28 January 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Secretary Silvestre H. Bello of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); David Bungallon, Executive Director of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Institute for Technical Education and Skills Development (NITESD); Michael Edione Gayona of the TESDA Green Technology Center; and Maria Lourdes Ann “LA” Cruz, Global Human Resources Leader, to discuss job opportunities, share tips for jobseekers, and promote skills training courses that cater to the needs of a green economy.

Young Filipino inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs will gather virtually to demonstrate innovative technologies in renewable energy, ecological solid waste management, and climate change adaptation and mitigation on the 31st episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Young Innovators for a Sustainable Future.” The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 21 January 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda. Joining the online conversation are young innovators including Jovie Gil Montajes,  Founder of Light of Hope PH and Climate Reality Leader; Engr. Reijiel Gonzalez, Founder of Waste Cleantech and WAYSTE App, and Climate Reality Leader; Marie Sapuay,  Developer of Trash Panda; Glenn Ongpin, Co-founder and CEO of Cloop; and Wilvie Añora, Co-founder and Strategy head of AtoAni Biopack to discuss and promote their climate-friendly innovations.

The discussion to promote environmental consciousness, sustainability, and climate-adaptive practices in the better normal continues next Thursday, January 14, 2021 with Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda hosting the online series “Stories for a Better Normal” aired via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   A partnership between the Climate Change Commission and Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation, the “Stories for a Better Normal” is a two-hour weekly online feature series that aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.   For its 30th episode with the theme, “Reset, Restart, Renew,” Stories will welcome the new year with inspiring stories of climate action, environmental sustainability, and innovation.   Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of Plastic Credit Exchange, Inc. (PCEx); Earl Patrick Forlales, Co-Founder and CEO of Cubo Modular; and Chef Myke ‘Tatung’ Sarthou, bestselling author, culinary heritage advocate, and online cooking show host of Simpol will join the online conversation to discuss plastic credits, bamboo housing, and sustainable dining habits, respectively.

Government leaders, social entrepreneurs, and advocates against single-use plastic will gather virtually to discuss the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives and a plastic-free environment on the 29th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Uniting Against Single-Use Plastic.”   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 10 December 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Jamico Jamlang, Founder of The Bamboo Company; Czarina Constantino, National Lead of the No Plastics in Nature Initiative by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Philippines; Wilma Arevalo, President of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI); and Mayor Josephine Alcantara-Cruz of Donsol, Sorsogon will be joining the online conversation.   The episode will focus on private sector initiatives that dissuade the use of single-use plastic in the country. In addition to this, it will feature the local initiatives that are addressing plastic waste management in communities and in nature. Likewise, the online conversation will discuss the eco-friendly alternatives to essential items, such as products made from bamboo and recycled materials.

Advocates against single-use plastic will gather virtually to promote ways to urgently reduce plastic pollution and raise awareness on the negative effects of single-use plastics on people’s health, and on the environment and climate emergency, on the 28th 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 December 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda. Mayor Edwin David Santiago of San Fernando City, Pampanga; Julian Rodriquez, Founding member of Plastic Tides PH; and Lara Angelique Lacson, Founder of Eco Warrior PH  will join the online conversation hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.

Plant experts will gather virtually to underscore the importance of responsible gardening brought by the rising trend of collecting ornamental plants on the 27th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Plant Wise: Responsible Gardening.”   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 26 November 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Dr. Gideon Lasco, medical anthropologist from the University of the Philippines Diliman and a research fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University's Development Studies Program; Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; and Dr. Ireneo Lit Jr., entomologist and curator of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Museum of Natural History.

Small-scale agriculture advocates will gather virtually to underscore the importance of supporting small farmers, reducing food loss and waste, feeding the hungry, and keeping the local food supply chain functioning and resilient to shocks on the 26th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways” with the topic, “Transforming Supply Chain.”   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 19 November 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are: Ace and Andie Estrada, founders of Rural Rising PH; Iloisa Diga, co-founder of Session Groceries; and Tracey Santiago, Founder of Sustainable Sagada.

Plant experts will gather virtually to underscore the importance of responsible gardening brought by the rising trend of collecting ornamental plants on the 26th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” with the topic, “Plant Wise: Responsible Gardening.”   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 12 November 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are Dr. Gideon Lasco, medical anthropologist from the University of the Philippines Diliman and a research fellow at the Ateneo de Manila University's Development Studies Program; Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim, Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity; and Dr. Ireneo Lit Jr., entomologist and curator of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Museum of Natural History.

Slow food enthusiasts will gather virtually to underscore the importance of food, and its waste reduction and management, on the 25th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” with the topic “Waste Not, Want Not: A Food Waste Episode with Slow Food Manila.” The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Chefs and restaurant owners will join the online conversation, including Kalel Demetrio, co-owner of Agimat Foraging Bar and Kitchen; Chef Waya Wijangco, owner of Gourmet Gypsy Art Café; and Chef Robby Goco, owner of Cyma Restaurants.

Representatives from Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities will gather virtually to discuss the role of environmental sustainability in enhancing resilience to future shocks on the 24th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” dedicated to celebrate the Indigenous Peoples’ Month.   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 29 October 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Joining the online conversation are: Waway L. Saway, member of Talaandig in Bukidnon and Head of the Family Food Security Cycle program of Hineleban Foundation; and Delia Pauden, Cluster head of Ati in Antique and Aklan.

 

Mayors of bike-friendly cities and sustainable mobility advocates will gather virtually to underscore the need for green and inclusive urban mobility solutions as part of the country’s post-pandemic recovery, on the 23rd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Championing Sustainable Urban Mobility.”             Viewers can look forward to hearing straight from Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora about their cities’ urban mobility programs. Joining the conversation are Chito Bauzon, Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and Red Constantino of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 22 October 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.

 

For the 22nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Transforming Waste into Wages,” ecological solid waste management and recycling advocates will gather to share knowledge on the importance of the circular economy in minimizing waste, and promote sustainable consumption and production as part of the country’s  post-pandemic recovery.   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 15 October 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.   Both advocates and entrepreneurs will join the online conversation, including Mr. Felicito “Chito” Valmocina, Chairman of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City; Ms. Shine De Castro, co-founder of Old Manila Eco Market; Ms. Wilhelmina “Willie” Garcia, founder of Junk not!; and Katherine Mana-Galido, co-founder of Back to Basics Ecostore.