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.

Filipino fashion designers and entrepreneurs urged the public to patronize and support our innovating weaving and textile industry in this time of pandemic during the 20th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways.”   This episode is the second part of the topic “Weaving Resilience: Reviving Indigenous Textiles and Crafts” which highlighted collaborative efforts in utilizing local textiles from the rural weavers and promoted appreciation of indigenous weaving textiles from various regions in the Philippines.   The online conversation hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda featured designers and brand owners including Lenora Luisa Cabili of Filip+Inna; Marga Nograles of Kaayo Modern Mindanao; Nina Corpuz-Rodriguez of Nina Inabel; Looie Lobregat of Linea Etnika; Susan Marie Liao of Designs by Marie; Jor-el Espina; and Elsie Standen of Allena.

For the 19th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Weaving Resilience: Reviving Indigenous Textiles and Crafts,” traditional weaving experts will share knowledge on indigenous weaving traditions and crafts, as well as underscore the need to enhance the resilience of the weaving industry against climate change.  The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 24 September 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.   Indigenous textile experts and traditional weavers will join the online conversation, including Dr. Norma Respicio, Philippine textile expert, University of the Philippines (UP) Professor Emeritus; Ms. Anna India Legaspi, piña cloth expert based in Aklan; and Ms. Rhoda Pon-an, Executive Director of the Antique Development Foundation.  The episode will also highlight traditional weaving as an environmental-friendly, sustainable, and culture-based livelihood, and feature grassroots enterprises that keep the weaving traditions alive. 

The labs and regional assignments are as follows: Lab 1: Regions I and II and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Lab 2: Regions III, IV-A, and IV-B Lab 3: National Capital Region (NCR) Lab 4: Region VIII Lab 5: Regions IX and X and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

All those newly reacquainted with nature due to the pandemic, plantitos and plantitas, and newbie birdwatchers are invited to join the 18th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways.” The episode will be looking at the larger island ecosystems where our new friends come from, under the topic “Panay: Native Plants, Birds, and Island Ecology.” The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 17 September 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CongLorenLegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.   Panay island and its biodiversity and ecology will be featured as a shining example, where experts and advocates will join the online conversation, including Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag of the Panay Bird Club; Mr. Ralph Perez of Lunhaw Madia-as, a group of native tree enthusiasts in Panay and Guimaras; Ms. Lisa Paguntalan, Executive Director of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation; and Dr. Enrique Sanchez, Jr., President of the Philippine Initiative for Conservation of  Environment and the People. The episode will feature priority conservation measures in the natural forest of Panay Island, the most important carbon sink in the region and its high level of biological diversity and endemism. The episode aims to promote the scaling up of efforts in Panay to all islands in the country. Episode eighteen of the “Stories for a Better Normal” series is an opportunity to encourage more Filipinos to take initial steps toward raising awareness on the importance of ecosystem conservation, understand the values and benefits of biodiversity, and encourage other islands to replicate its good practices on sustainable tourism.

For the 17th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “The Plant Doctors Are In!” plant pathologists, entomologists, and foresters will discuss the importance of plant health in promoting biodiversity, sustainable food production, and healthier ecosystems.   This episode is in celebration of the International Year of Plant Health declared by the United Nations. Hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, it will air on Thursday, 10 September 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.   Plant experts who will join the online conversation include Ms. Lysette Lacambra, Technical Specialist of the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer; Dr. Aimee Lynn Dupo, Entomologist and Professor from the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (CAS-UPLB); and Dr. Armando Palijon, Forester and former Professor of the Institute of Renewable and Natural Resources (IRNR), College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños (CFNR-UPLB).   This upcoming episode will provide practical tips on managing common plant pests and diseases using natural methods and share knowledge on maintaining healthy plants by attracting beneficial insects in the gardens. It also seeks to encourage more Filipinos to appreciate the value of growing plants and vegetables at home for food availability and security.

For the 16th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Risk to Resilience: Narrating Our Story through Books,” publishers, writers, and storytellers will gather to impart knowledge on environment and climate change issues, and narrate stories of Filipino people’s resilience in the face of adversities to inspire behavioral change and action. The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 3 September 2020, at 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/. Book publishers, writers, and storytellers for environmental and climate change education who will join the online conversation are the following: Ms. Ani Almario, President of the Book Development Association of the Philippines; Ms. Karina Bolasco, Vice Chair  for External Affairs of the Book Development Association of the Philippines; Ms. Padmapani Perez, Asia editor and project lead of Agam International; and Dr. Kris Baleva,  External Relations and Policy Specialist of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. 

The 15th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will bring viewers back to “old school” sustainability practices that promote environmental stewardship, putting a spotlight on the link between climate change and environmental issues and the consumerist culture.      The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 27 August 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.   Young Filipino role models and practitioners of sustainability will join the online conversation, including Ms. Carol Malasig, journalist and content writer of the blog ‘Almost Diplomatic’; Ms. Armi Millare, founder and creative director at Stoa Studios;  Ms. Niña Opida and Mr. Josef Werker, co-founders of Humble Sustainability; and Ms. Aimee Oliveros, a Climate Reality Leader and owner of RE-Store MNL, a zero waste store (Refill-Reuse-Recycle).

For the 14th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Planting Native Trees,” native tree experts and enthusiasts will discuss how native trees have higher value both commercially in tree farms and for biodiversity and how they aid in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.   The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 20 August 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.   Notable Philippine native tree enthusiasts will join the online conversation, including Atty. Asis Perez, Senior Legal Adviser of Tanggol Kalikasan; Dr. Ephraim Cercado, a medical surgeon and manager of the Philippine Native Tree Enthusiasts initiative; and Ms. Lee Ann Canals-Silayan, Founder of Kaleekasann nursery.