MANILA, 2 September 2020 — 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. 

In previous episodes, the online series tackled food gardening, saving seeds, permaculture, good nutrition and diet, youth climate activism, sustainable urban mobility, cultural heritage, planting native trees, and practical sustainability to teach citizens to be self-sustainable and self-sufficient.

This upcoming episode will feature books that provide education, entertainment, and learning in order to encourage citizens to read more during this time of COVID-19 pandemic, as well as promote awareness of the importance of books to spur climate and environmental action. 

As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, "Stories for a Better Normal" aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.
 
This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation.