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.

For the thirteenth episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” with the topic on “Easy Backyard Birding,” backyard birdwatchers and professionals will share their experiences and insights in bird watching, discuss urban bird biodiversity, and highlight the role of birds in our ecosystems, particularly as pollinators of plants. House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda will host the episode, which will air on Thursday, 13 August 2020, 10 AM, via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl. Members of the Wild Bird Club, including Mr. Mike Lu, a club founding member; Ms. Jelaine Gan; Mr. Bayani Barcenas, club secretary; Ms. Cristina Cinco, who is also a food entrepreneur; and Ms. Gina Mapua, an organizer of the annual bird fair conducted by the club, will share easy, replicable, and sustainable techniques of backyard bird watching.

For the 12th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” with the topic on “Millennial Farmers and Gardeners,” House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda will discuss with millennial farmers their stories and experiences in venturing into agribusiness and the importance of sustainable farming. The episode will air on Thursday, August 6, 2020, 10 AM, via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/. Joining the online conversation are young farm managers and “agripreneurs”, including: Ms. Karmila Rose Dimamay, farm owner of Milay’s Garden in Tibiao, Antique and incumbent Board Member of the Province; Mr. Enzo Pinga, founder of Earthbeat farms in San Pablo City, Laguna; Mr. Raphael Dacones, chief farming officer of Teraoka Family Farm in Pangasinan; and Ms. Stephanie Mendiola, founder of Indie Farms in Silang, Cavite. Meanwhile, Atty Paula Aberasturi of Down to Earth PH will join as reactor. 

To facilitate discussions on the current and future state of climate and sea level change in the Philippines, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and its National Panel of Technical Experts (NPTE), in collaboration with the Oscar M. Lopez (OML) Center, will conduct an online forum entitled “Taking stock: Why should we be concerned about the climate and sea level changes?” on 5 August 2020, Wednesday, 9:45 AM, via Facebook Live.   The online forum will examine how the impacts of climate change, specifically sea level rise, is affecting the Philippines as an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands, with 822 coastal municipalities, and one of the longest coastlines in the world estimated at 36,289 kilometers.   Members of the NPTE who will join the virtual forum include Dr. Carlos Primo David, current chairperson; Dr. Laura David and Dr. Fernando Siringan of the UP Marine Science Institute; and Dr. Rodel Lasco, Executive Director of the OML Center.   Other leading climate experts and scientists who will also participate include Dr. Benjamin Horton, Director of Earth Observatory of Singapore; Dr. Ma. Laurice Jamero, Head Resilience Collaboratory, Manila Observatory; and Dr. Enrico Paringit, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development.   A distinguished roster of reactors from different agencies and organizations have also been invited. They are: Dr. Eulito Casas, Associate Professor from  UP Visayas Tacloban College; Atty. Josine Alexandra Gamboa, Manager of Government Initiatives of Rare, Inc.; and Dr. Bjoern Surborg, Principal Advisor and Cluster Coordinator for Climate Change of the GIZ.  CCC Secretary Emmanuel M. De Guzman, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, Representative from the Lone District of Antique, and Representative Edgar Chatto, Chair of the House Special Committee on Climate Change, will deliver special messages.  

For the 11th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” Pinoy Climate Reality Leaders including House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda will gather for a special episode on “Youth Climate Activism” and discuss how youth leaders are driving and sustaining their climate initiatives, even during the pandemic. 

For the 10th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” on the topic, “Culinary Heritage (Part 2),” culinary heritage experts and advocates will underscore the continuing efforts to document and map out local Filipino food to revitalize culinary heritage in the Philippines.  The episode will air on Thursday, 23 July 2020, 10:00 AM, via Facebook at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/, to be hosted by House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda. Resource speakers include Chef Gaita Fores, 2016 Asia’s Best Female Chef and owner of several restaurants, including Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park; food writer Ige Ramos; Rectito Melquiades, Coordinator of the Guiuan Recovery and Sustainable Group for Resilience in Eastern Samar; and Gatchi Gatchalian, restaurateur and President of the Davao Tourism Association.  Arvin Villalon, National Cultural Mapping Facilitator from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will be a reactor for this episode.

For the ninth episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic on “Culinary Heritage,” House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, together with culinary experts and culinary heritage advocates, will discuss the importance of preserving local food and culinary heritage through sustainable diet. The episode will air on Thursday, 16 July 2020, 10 AM, via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/. Joining Legarda are Chef Jam Melchor, founder of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement; Ms. Louella Eslao-Alix, culinary heritage author; Ms. Luth Camiña from Camiña Balay nga Bato in Iloilo; Datu Shariff Pendatun III, chef and author of “On The Cuisine of Muslim Mindanao"; Ms. Amy Besa, restaurateur and author; and Mr. Arvin Villalon, National Cultural Mapping Facilitator from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

On our 8th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Nutrition, Diet, and Culinary Heritage,” let's watch House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda and our resource persons share the traditional and healthy ways of preparing and cooking food, and discuss the importance of preserving local food heritage through a sustainable diet. The episode will stream on Facebook Live on Thursday, July 9, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at facebook.com/CCCPhl/ . Joining Rep. Legarda are nutritionists and food experts, including Ms. Zenaida Velasco, National President of the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines; Ms. Virgith Buena, Chairperson of the Board of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); Chef Jam Melchor, Founder of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement: Manuel Onalan, a traditional rice farmer in Kalinga: Prof. Sashah Dioso of UP Visayas; and Asha Peri, a plant-based diet chef and holistic wellness consultant.

On the seventh episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Saving Seeds and Growing with Nature,” House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, together with resource persons, will discuss the basics and benefits of permaculture and the importance of saving seeds in ensuring food self-sufficiency.  The episode will stream on Facebook Live on Thursday, July 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/. Joining Legarda are permaculture and seed saving experts and advocates, including Karen Hizola, Executive Director of Global Seed Savers Philippines; Dr. Blesilda Calub from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños; Bert Peeters, founder of the Philippine Permaculture Association; Jabez Flores of the Permaculture Research PH; and Rina Papio, founder of Green Space Pilipinas. Reactors will include Karla Delgado from Kai Farms and Atty. Paula Aberasturi of Down to Earth PH.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected economies, it has also affected the mental health and well-being of many of us. Join us on the sixth episode of Stories For A Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways, where Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and guest experts share practical strategies to cope with stress and heightened anxiety in this time of crises. This episode on "Mental Health and Wellness: Coping in the Time of COVID-19 and Disasters" will be on Facebook Live this Thursday, June 25 at 10AM.

In the fifth episode of Stories For A Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways titled "Growing Your Own Food (Part 2)," join Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda as she discusses urban farming for climate adaptation in the new normal, together with young urban farmers. Learn the affordable, easy, and sustainable ways to build your own food gardens this Thursday, June 18, 10am via Facebook Live!