MANILA, 24 November 2021 — For its Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week 2021 special episode, the 72nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will once again feature the Department of Education (DepEd) learners who exemplified outstanding leadership in biodiversity conservation and climate action within their schools and communities.
 
The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 25 November 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl, facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, and facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH. This will be part of the official activities for the observance of the 14th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week and DepEd's 5th National Climate Change Conference (NCCC) with the theme, “Klima ng Kinabukasan, Ating Panglagaan” and "Reinforcing the Youth's Role on Stewardship of Biodiversity for Climate Stability," respectively. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.
 
Joining the online conversation are Director Ronilda R. Co of DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS); Arren Jean J. Jacalan from Tangub City National High School, SDO Tangub City, Region X; Sean Michael G. Endiable from City of San Jose del Monte National Science High School, SDO San Jose Del Monte City, Region III; and Shekinah A. Moreno from Quezon National High School, SDO Bukidnon, Region X to share their biodiversity conservation and climate change advocacies.
 
Biodiversity is fundamental to sustaining life, supplying critical ecosystem services such as food provisioning, water purification, flood and drought control, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. These services are essential to support human well-being and economic growth.
 
Despite this significance, they are still being destroyed at an unprecedented and accelerating rate worldwide. The Philippines is considered one of the 18 megadiverse countries in the world. However, it is also known as one of the “hotspot areas” where biodiversity is under tremendous threat of destruction.
 
As part of its climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) program, the DepEd DRRMS recognizes the role of education in biodiversity conservation for climate stability. It is through the conduct of the NCCC that DepEd intends to provide a platform to elevate discussions on the impacts of climate change and human actions on biodiversity, strategize participatory and concrete actions that can be done to contribute a meaningful change, and help the learners, personnel, and their families gain a deeper appreciation and awareness of the country’s vast biodiversity.
 
The upcoming episode aims to strengthen awareness of the role of biodiversity in climate stability and increase participation of learners and DepEd personnel in climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions.
 
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.