MANILA, 26 October 2021 — Filipino youth scientists and grassroots leaders will gather virtually to feature their innovations and advocacy campaigns on climate change adaptation and mitigation and to inspire fellow youth to advance the frontiers of innovation toward a healthy, resilient, and sustainable future on the 68th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways COP26 Series" with the theme "Together for a Sustainable Future."
 
The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 28 October 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.
 
Joining the online conversation are Mark Kennedy Bantugon, James Dyson Awardee 2021; Naiah Mendoza, World Robot Olympiad Canada 2020-X Awardee; Adelle Yuson, a physicist from Central Mindanao University; and Marinel Ubaldo, a Climate Reality Leader and the Advocacy Officer for Ecological Justice and Youth Engagement of Living Laudato Si’ Philippines.
 
The youth are leading the charge on climate action. As nations gather to step up climate ambition at the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climatre Change (COP26), the voice of the youth on the need for urgent climate solutions should be amplified. Countries must redouble efforts to support the youth who are working for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and environmental sustainability.
 
The upcoming episode shall recognize the Filipino youth scientists and grassroots leaders, to encourage and inspire their fellow youth to be the innovators of the future and contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
 
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 Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.