MANILA 24 MAY 2020 – Nanghikayat si Deputy Speaker at Antique Representative Loren Legarda sa mamamayan na magtanim at magkaroon ng kani-kaniyang gulayan sa bakuran ng tahanan at pamayanan upang makapagdagdag sa suplay ng pagkain.   Sinabi ito ni Legarda sa ikalawang episode ng “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” isang online knowledge-for-action series ukol sa COVID-19 at climate emergency. Ang ikalawang episode ay tungkol sa mga pamamaraan kung paanong maski sino ay maaaring magtanim ng sarili nilang pagkain at kung papaanong mapapanatili ang urban at community gardens.   Itinampok ang mga payo ng mga panauhing tagapagsalita na sina: Assistant Director Rosana Mula ng Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), Niccolo Aberasturi ng DowntoEarth PH, Patis Tesoro ng PatisTito Garden Café & Permaculture Farm, journalist at content writer ng Almost Diplomatic blog na si Carol Malasig, at Barangay Captain Sheryl Nolasco ng Barangay Potrero, Malabon.      “Sa pamamagitan ng urban home gardening at backyard farming, tinuturuan natin ang ating mga sarili kung papaanong maging self-sufficient, lalung-lalo na sa panahon ngayon ng pandemic at climate crisis. Sa pamamagitan ng simpleng pamamaraan, pwede nating i-convert ang mga bakanteng lugar sa ating mga bahay, maski na sa maliit na apartment o condo unit, at makapag-tanim tayo ng mga prutas, gulay, o mga halaman. Ang pagsisikap nating magkaroon ng “better normal” ay ang pagsisiguro din na mayroon tayong sapat na suplay ng pagkain sa ating mga tahanan,” sabi ni Legarda, na isa ring home gardener at may-akda ng House Bill No. 637 o Food Forest Gardening Act of 2019.    Tinalakay ni Assistant Director Mula ang programang “Plant, Plant, Plant,” ng pamahalaan na naglalayong madagdagan ang agri-fishery output ng bansa at suplay ng murang pagkain sa bansa. Ibinahagi din niya na tumutulong ang DA-ATI sa libreng distribusyon ng starter kits.   “Mayroong starter kits for households, para sa mga nakatira sa condominium, at para sa mga walang sapat na lugar. Ang nasabing kits ay naglalaman ng lupa, compost, buto, at may kalakip na detalyadong impormasyon kung papaanong mapapalaki ang mga halaman. Hinihikayat din natin ang pagkakaroon ng entrepreneurial spirit sa ating mga mamamayan upang makapagtanim ng pagkain na maaaring ibenta din sa kani-kaniyang mga pamayanan,” sabi ni Mula.    Binigyang diin naman ni Aberasturi ang basics ng food gardening, tulad ng regenerative agriculture at ang proseso ng mulching, pati na rin ang mga inisyatibo ng Down To Earth PH sa pagsulong at pagpalaganap ng compact ecosystems at vertical gardens.     “Dapat sabay ang pagtanim ng pagkain at paglinis ng kapaligiran. Importante ang organikong pamamaraan sa pagpapatubo: ‘yung tubig kailangan lang mawala ang chlorine para mabuhay siya. Dapat hindi natin papatayin ‘yung mga mikrobyo na nagpapabuhay ng mga halaman natin.  In short, pakainin natin ‘yung lupa at ‘yung lupa ang magpapakain sa mga halaman natin,” sabi ni Aberasturi.   Tinalakay ni Tesoro, na isa ring matagal nang tagapagsulong ng heritage preservation at indigenous textiles, ang kaniyang karanasan sa “permaculture.”   “Ang proseso ng pagtatanim ay kadalasang nangangailangan ng masinsinang organisasyon. Hindi ka lamang magtatanim ng maski ano o basta na lamang makikipagsapalaran at baka ika’ mag-aksaya ng pera, panahon, at gastos. Ang permaculture ay ang pagaaral ng iyong tatanimang kalupaan at kapaligiran nang hindi kinakailangang magputol ng mga puno. Ito ay ang pagtatanim ng anumang likas na tumutubo sa iyong lugar, at pagsisikap na maging organic,” sabi ni Tesoro.   Ibinahagi naman ni Malasig, na nakatira sa Berlin, Germany, ang konsepto ng Kleingarten o “small garden” at kung paanong binibigyang halaga ng mga Aleman ang urban gardening bilang bahagi ng kanilang pamumuhay, lalung lalo na ang mga nakatira sa lungsod, sa mga apartments na walang sapat na espasyo.   “Para sa karamihan ng mga Germans, ang gardening ay isang napakahalagang bahagi ng buhay. Karamihan sa kanila, maski na doon sa mga nakatira sa lungsod, sinisiguro na mayroon silang kani-kaniyang tanim sa tahanan. Mayroon din silang tinatawag na “kleingarten,” kung saan ang mga mamamayan ay maaaring mag-apply ng permit sa gobyerno para gumamit ng maliliit na espasyo para sa isang garden. Siyempre, kinakailangan nila itong alagaang mabuti, at kung hindi, maaaring bawian sila ng permit,” sabi ni Malasig.    Ibinahagi din ni Barangay Captain Nolasco kung papaanong ang Barangay Potrero, sa tulong ni Legarda at ng Mother Earth Foundation, ay nagsulong at nagpatupad ng ecological solid waste management. Kinilala ang Potrero sa Best Solid Waste Management Program Award ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sa taong 2016.   “Noong nakaraang tatlong taon, natutunan ng Brgy. Potrero ang ecological solid waste management at itinuro po namin ito sa 12,000 na mga kabahayan para bigyang importansya ang paghihiwalay ng basura. Ang unang Materials Recovery Facility ay nakatayo sa isang pribadong lote at ngayo’y nakapagpo-produce na ng gulay at medicinal plants na ipinamimigay namin sa karatig-lugar,” sabi ni Nolasco.   Ipinakita rin ni Deputy Speaker Legarda ang sarili niyang gulayan sa bakuran, at sinabing ang pagtatanim ng mga prutas at gulay sa tahanan at mga pamayanan ay isa sa mga paraan para masiguro na may masustansyang pagkain kahit sa gitna ng kasalukuyang krisis.    “Ang paraan para makasulong tayo tungo sa kinabukasan, ang paraan para mabuhay tayo sa panahon ngayon, ay ang hindi pagbalik sa kung papaano tayong namuhay noon. Isang malaking kamalian na para bang wala tayong natutunan sa ating mga pinagdadaanan ngayon. Ang better normal ay ang pamumuhay na mas sustainable, malusog, matatag at ligtas para sa lahat,” pagtatapos ni Legarda.

MANILA, 22 May 2020 — In observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for solidarity in bending the curve of biodiversity loss to prevent the risks of future viral outbreaks and to help address the prevailing climate emergency. According to the CCC, the theme for this year’s observance, Our Solutions Are In Nature, is a timely and powerful reminder amid the current public health emergency of the fundamental role of biodiversity to human well-being and health. Since the start of the year, governments around the world are pursuing efforts to arrest the spread of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19), a zoonotic disease caused by neglecting the importance of biodiversity management and giving a lenient control on illegal wildlife trade. Reiterating the pronouncement of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that there is a need to re-examine the relationship between the global community and the natural world, the CCC said that efforts to address the impacts of the current public health emergency to economy should be green, climate-resilient, and supportive of the implementation of our environmental laws. These laws include the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 or the Republic Act (RA) No.  9147, Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 or RA 11038, and the Climate Change Act of 2009 or RA 9729—all aimed at protecting the country’s megadiverse natural resources. According to UN-CBD, the Philippines is one of 18 mega-diverse countries in the world. It contains two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plants and animal species, respectively. Species endemism in the country is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife. UN-CBD also reported that the country is one of the world’s known biodiversity hotspots with at least 700 threatened species, thus making it one of the top global conservation areas. Currently, the country uses the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Strategies (PBCP) as a framework to protect its 228 key biodiversity areas (KBAs). PBCP incorporates major strategies and immediate actions aimed at sustainably managing and conserving the estimated 10.56 million hectares of KBAs. The CCC said that the protection and conservation of our national resources is the first step toward ushering a better normal for the Filipino people—one that paves the way for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for the generations to come.

MANILA, 20 May 2020 – In the second episode of the online discussion series 'Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways' on the topic, 'Growing Your Own Food 101', Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda will feature the importance of growing your own food and urban gardens at home or with the community.  The second episode will be live streamed this Thursday, May 21, 10:00am, via Facebook Live [www.facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl]. Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar will be joining the online conversation to discuss the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” which includes a revitalized urban agriculture and gulayan project. Sec. Dar will also share other initiatives of the DA to support those who wish to start their own backyard and community gardens. Other guests are Mr. Niccolo Aberasturi and Atty. Paula Aberasturi, founders of Down to Earth PH; Ms. Patis Tesoro, owner of PatisTito Garden Café & Permaculture Farm; Barangay Captain Sheryl Nolasco of Potrero, Malabon City, a model barangay for ecological solid waste management,  and Ms. Carol Malasig, Berlin based journalist and content writer of Almost Diplomatic blog, to also share basic steps to start food gardens, related technologies and techniques, and common challenges faced by the urban gardener. Deputy Speaker Legarda will discuss the features of House Bill No. 637 or the Food Forest Gardening Act of 2019, which she has authored in the House of Representatives to institutionalize the Philippine Food Forest Gardening Program. Under the bill, food forest gardening may be established in any parcel of land, public parks and spaces, unutilized and idle public land, community or common spaces of land developments, portions of rural farms, urban housing projects, idle parcels of land in schools, colleges and universities, and yards of households. As an online discussion to promote good health, environmental and climate-friendly, and sustainable practices, Stories for a Better Normal aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities to lead sustainable lives towards a healthier, safer, and much better normal than we used to have. This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation. 

MANILA, 20 May 2020 – Para sa second episode ng online series na 'Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways' sa paksang, 'Growing Your Own Food 101', itatampok ni Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda ang kahalagahan ng pagtatanim ng sarili mong pagkain at ang pagkakaroon natin ng mga halamanang-lungsod o urban gardens sa ating mga tahanan o pamayanan.  Ang ikalawang episode ay mapapanood sa livestream ngayong Thursday, May 21, 10:00am sa Facebook Live [https://www.facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl]. Maka-kasama si Secretary William Dar ng Department of Agriculture (DA) online para pag-usapan ang “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” kung saan kasama ang mas pinabuti at pinalakas na programang urban agriculture at gulayan project. Ibabahagi din ng kalihim ang iba pang mga simulain ng DA para suportahan ang sinumang may gustong magtanim sa kanilang mga sariling bakuran o lote sa barangay bilang 'community food gardens'. Ang iba pang mga panauhin ay sina Niccolo Aberasturi, founder ng Down to Earth PH; si Patis Tesoro, may-ari ng PatisTito Garden Café & Permaculture Farm; si Barangay Captain Sheryl Nolasco mula sa Barangay Potrero, Lungsod ng Malabon, isang modeong barangay para sa ecological solid waste management,  at si Carol Malasig, isang Berlin-based journalist at content writer ng Almost Diplomatic blog, upang magbahagi din ng mga basic steps para makapag-simula tayo ng ating mga food gardens, kasama ang iba pang mga teknolohiya, at mga hamon na hinaharap ng isang urban gardener. Tatalakayin ni Deputy Speaker Legarda ang mga nilalaman ng House Bill No. 637 o ang Food Forest Gardening Act ng taong 2019, na syang may-akda sa Kongreso. Layon nitong maipatupad ang Philippine Food Forest Gardening Program. Sa ilalim ng panukalang batas, ang food forest gardening ay maaaring maitayo sa anumang lote, pampublikong parke, mga unutilized o idle public land, community o common spaces ng land developments, parte ng rural farms, urban housing projects, parte ng lupa sa mga paaaralan, mga dalubhasaan at mga pamantasan, at mga harapan ng mga kabahayan. Bilang isang online discussion na nakapagsusulong ng magandang kalusugan at climate-friendly, sustainable practices, ang Stories for a Better Normal ay naglalayong baguhin ang kaisipan ng mga mamamayan, pamilya, at mga pamayanan na isulong na mamuhay-sustainable tungo sa isang mas-malusog, mas-ligtas, at isang mas-mabuti at mas-maayos na "normal" kaysa dati. Ang online discussion ay inorganisa ni Deputy Speaker Legarda at ng Climate Change Commission (CCC), at sinusuportahan ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, at Mother Earth Foundation.

Thursday, 21 May 2020 | 10:00 AM The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of food supply chains that serve the food and nutritional security of Filipinos. Growing food at home and in communities is one way to secure and ensure a steady supply of safe and nutritious food even in the most challenging of times. Catch Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with guest experts in a morning conversation on Thursday, 21 May 2020 at 10:00 AM, and learn the basics of urban or backyard farming as they give useful practical advice for starting an urban garden. This knowledge-for-action webinar is brought to you by the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and the Climate Change Commission.

May 14, 2020 - To inspire individuals, households, and communities to adopt sustainable practices for a better normal in light of the pandemic and climate crisis, Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda held her first online discussion of the series “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” a virtual conversation on COVID-19 and the climate emergency. The series is a partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with support from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), The Climate Reality Project-Philippines, and Mother Earth Foundation. In the first episode broadcast earlier today via Facebook Live, Legarda, together with environmental lawyer Ipat Luna, Sonia Mendoza of Mother Earth Foundation, and Red Constantino of ICSC, shared environment and climate-friendly ways to implement at home and in communities, such as installing ecological comfort rooms, conducting backyard farming and edible gardens, implementing ecological solid waste management, and promoting bike sharing for health workers and frontline personnel. “Everyone can lead sustainable lives at home. We can be climate heroes and ecological warriors of our own lives and in our homes, communities, and barangays. Let us teach and inspire our children to be better citizens of our country and the planet,” said Legarda, who authored several landmark laws for the environment and climate change such as the Clean Air Act, Climate Change Act, People’s Survival Fund Act, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Legarda also encouraged everyone to promote safety and sustainability within their households and communities through backyard gardening, waste segregation, recycling, and upcycling. Mendoza mentioned two zero-waste model communities, Brgy. Potrero in Malabon City and Tacloban City, with a high segregation-at-source compliance rate and waste diversion rate, as she emphasized the importance of first having the right mindset. “Unang-una, yung pagpapalit ng kanilang kaisipan, na manggagaling sa puso nila ang pangangalaga sa ating Mother Earth. Kapag zero waste ay walang aksaya. Conserve resources. Walang natitira sa plato. Ubusin ang tubig sa baso. Patayin ang ilaw ‘pag hindi kailangan. Gumamit ng baso sa pag-sipilyo ng ngipin. ‘Wag paghalu-haluin ang mga basura. Simpleng bagay na pwedeng gawin araw-araw,” said Mendoza. Constantino also shared the ICSC’s campaign of promoting bike sharing and donation drives to help health workers and other frontliners to get to work. “Sa local governments kinakailangan may protected, dedicated bike lanes because, while mass transport is going to be critical to long-term development, in a situation where we have to distance ourselves, which means less seats to occupy, at mas mahaba na pila sa MRT/LRT at sa mga bus at jeep, napakahalaga ng bisikleta. If we have bike lanes that are protected, dedicated, and enforced, mas marami pong magbibisikleta,” said Constantino. For environmental lawyer Atty. Ipat Luna, more planting of seeds, installation of proper sewerage systems, and the adoption of a circular economy, are key to eliminate wasteful practices and promote continuous use of resources. “Pakinabangan natin ‘yung mga natutunan natin habang nandito tayo sa mga bahay-bahay natin. Natutunan natin ang konsepto ng oras, na palagi tayo dating nagmamadali. Pero hindi pala mahalaga ang pinagmamadalian. Huwag tayo bumalik sa dati nating nakaugalian. Maging malikhain tayo sa ating mga plano at aksyon,” said Atty. Luna. As an online discussion to promote good health, environmental and climate-friendly, and sustainable practices, Stories for a Better Normal aims to change the mindset of individuals and families to lead sustainable lives towards a healthier, safer, and much better normal than we used to have. “Hindi pwedeng bumalik sa dati, kasi kung bumalik sa dati, para nating binalewala ang sakripisyo ng frontliners, ang buhay ng lahat na namatay na doktor at pasyente ng COVID sa Pilipinas at sa buong mundo. Let’s make it worthwhile, let’s show appreciation and gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives and continue to sacrifice now in fighting the war outside of our homes, by learning the lessons and not going back to the previous normal,” Legarda stressed. “Magkakabit ang COVID at ang pagbabagong klima. They are inextricably linked, because even after COVID there could be many more infectious diseases. If we will follow our laws on the environment, climate change, health, and sanitation, life will be better,” Legarda concluded.

Thursday, 14 May 2020 | 10:00-10:30 AM The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives and ushered a new normal for all. Know the challenges in promoting the health of people and planet and the practical ways the Filipino family and community could survive and thrive amid the crisis. Catch Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with guest experts in a morning conversation on this subject on Facebook Live, Thursday, 14 May 2020 | 10:00-10:30 AM. This knowledge-for-action webinar is brought to you by the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda and the Climate Change Commission.

MANILA 13 May 2020 – Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda announced today the launch of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” an online conversation that will reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis. The series, a partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), will delve into ways on how Filipino families and communities can prepare for a better normal and lead sustainable lives in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first episode will be on May 14, Thursday, at 10:00 a.m., featuring environmental lawyer Atty. Ipat Luna, Sonia Mendoza of the Mother Earth Foundation, and Red Constantino of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways will be streamed via Facebook live [https://www.facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and https://www.facebook.com/CCCPhl], and on the Facebook accounts of Mother Earth Foundation and ICSC.

MANILA 7 MAY 2020 – In observance of the Month of the Ocean this May, House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda renewed her call for authorities and citizens to help in the sustainable management and conservation of marine life and resources to protect them from unsustainable human activities. “We rely so much on our oceans for our food, livelihood, and other daily needs, but we have been neglecting our ocean’s health. Plastic pollution, overfishing, waste dumping, oil spills, dynamite fishing, and other destructive human practices are killing the life in our oceans. I once again urge our authorities to enforce our laws to save our marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and habitats from further destruction,” Legarda said. Legarda, who authored the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, said that proper waste management practices, including the segregation of garbage at source and segregated transportation, processing, treatment, and proper disposal of solid waste, should be implemented by all local governments and households to prevent trash from going into our seas. She also mentioned that she also filed House Bill No. 635, which seeks to regulate the manufacturing, importation, and use of single-use plastic products, as well as provide penalties, levies, and incentives for industries, business enterprises, and consumers. Legarda also said that this year’s theme for Ocean’s Month is “Para sa Tao: Protected Areas for a Protected Future,” which aims to provide deeper appreciation and understanding on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their environmental, social, and cultural benefits to the people. A Protected Area is defined as “portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation.” Of the 244 Protected Areas in the Philippines, 35 are Marine Protected Areas. Legarda, who is the principal author of Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (ENIPAS), also underscored the importance of Protected Areas in ensuring food security in the country. “This Month of the Ocean, may we all work together to bring our oceans and marine life back to their pristine state. Let us correct our ways and adopt responsible fishing practices that support ecological balance. Let us do our part in ensuring our future generations can also benefit from the resources we currently enjoy from our oceans,” Legarda concluded.

MANILA, 07 May 2020 — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) supports the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in its adoption of a Sustainable Financial Framework through Circular No. 1085 issued on April 29, 2020. The Sustainable Financial Framework urges banks to embed sustainability principles, including those covering environmental and social risk areas, in their corporate governance framework, risk management systems, and strategic objectives consistent with their size, risk profile and complexity of operations, according to Monetary Board Resolution No. 415 dated 19 March 2020. “Circular No. 1085 s. 2020 on the Sustainable Finance Framework is a landmark achievement by the BSP in supporting the green economy which is the way of the future. This policy framework is the most awaited signal by the banks to seriously consider embedding sustainability principles in their corporate DNA. As the “bank of banks”, the BSP is in the best position to take the lead in greening the financial sector by tracking the same path it did in strengthening the corporate governance of banks. Congratulations to the BSP for its proactive stance in including environmental and social initiatives in its sustainable development agenda,” the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) said in a statement. Climate change and other environmental and social risks could pose a threat to financial stability considering their significant and protracted implications on the operations and financial interests of banks. These risks not only directly affect banks but also their clientele and stakeholders, such as households, businesses, and other financial institutions. The BSP recognizes the critical role of the financial industry in pursuing sustainable and resilient growth by enabling environmentally and social responsible business decisions consistent with the aspirations set out for every Filipino community under the Philippine Development Plan. The banks shall be given a period of three years to fully comply with the Transitory Provisions, adopting a transition plan with specific timelines to implement the board-approved strategies and policies integrating sustainability principles into their corporate governance and risk management frameworks, as well as in their strategic objectives and operations. Banks should provide their board-approved transition plan upon request of the BSP starting six months from the effectivity of the Circular. The World Wild Fund for Nature-Philippines also expressed their support to the new framework. “This aligns the country’s regulatory framework with that of more advanced counties in ASEAN such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. With growing investor interest in green and sustainability-linked bonds in the ASEAN, the country’s banking system is well positioned to tap into this growing segment and is a step forward to financing the country’s SDGs and climate risk mitigation and adaptation projects,” said Mr. Edgardo Tongson, Chief of Party for Sustainable Finance. The CCC, in its continuing efforts to mainstream green financing within the banking sectors, lauds the Sustainable Finance Framework as a pathway toward increased mobilization of climate finance across the country.

MANILA 6 MAY 2020 – House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda today commended and expressed support to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in promulgating the Sustainable Finance Framework, contained in BSP Circular No. 1085, s. 2020, stating that the framework will help advance the country’s growth towards a greener and more sustainable development path. The Circular was issued following approval by the Monetary Board (through Resolution No. 415, March 19, 2020) of a sustainable finance policy framework that sets out expectations on the integration of sustainability principles, including those covering environmental and social (E&S) risks, in banks’ corporate governance and risk management frameworks, as well as in their strategic objectives and operations. “I have long expressed the view that despite the Philippines being a highly vulnerable country to climate change, we have yet to fully unlock our massive potential for green investments. The BSP’s circular on the Sustainable Finance Framework is a welcome policy direction for our banks and financial institutions to enshrine sustainability within their systems of governance and operations,” said Legarda, who authored the Renewable Energy Act, Climate Change Act, and the People’s Survival Fund Act. "As our country and the whole world slowly reopen the economy from closures to the COVID-19 pandemic through financial stimulus packages, we hope that the new policy will lead to the financing of more investments on renewable energy, environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and other low carbon and sustainable initiatives,” Legarda added. With the issuance of the Circular, the Sustainable Finance Framework is added in the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB). It declares as a policy that the BSP is “cognizant that climate change and other environmental and social risks could pose financial stability concerns” and that “physical and transition risks arising from climate change could result in significant societal, economic and financial risks affecting the banks and their stakeholders.” It also recognizes the critical role of the financial industry in pursuing sustainable and resilient growth by enabling environmentally and socially responsible business decisions consistent with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). The framework shall be applied to all banks, while branches of foreign banks may adopt relevant policies and strategies of their head office that are consistent with the Circular. Legarda said that the Sustainable Finance Framework will complement existing efforts to enhance the country's resilience against climate impacts through climate finance access. Legarda, as Member of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board, said that the Philippines’ very first country proposal to the GCF secured approval last year of a P500-million grant for multi-hazard impact-based forecasting and early warning systems. This was followed by the country’s inclusion in a multi-country proposal to generate private sector investments on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Three readiness and preparatory support programs worth almost $1.7 million are also underway to enhance the capacities of the Land Bank of the Philippines as accredited entity and other stakeholders involved in securing climate finance once national approval processes are completed. She added that the Climate Change Commission (CCC), as the National Designated Authority to the GCF, has been instrumental in facilitating climate finance access, but should now also work closely with the Bangko Sentral to help our banks and financial institutions adopt the framework and transform our economy.   “Amid this COVID-19 pandemic and climate crisis, as the world clamors for a healthier planet as the new normal, I remain optimistic that these efforts and many more can sustain our gains towards resilience,” Legarda concluded.

MANILA, 5 May 2020 – In celebration of May as the Month of the Ocean, the Climate Change Commission renewed calls for greater cooperation in protecting the environment to evade pandemics linked to wildlife, and arrest the worsening state of the global climate emergency.  With the theme, PAra sa Tao: Protected Areas for a Protected Future, the climate body said that this month-long observance is an opportune time to intensify our country’s campaign against ocean pollution, illegal wildlife trade, and other unsustainable human activities that harm the natural environment and cause ecosystems decline. Citing the review, Rebuilding Marine Life which highlighted that oceans can be restored by 2050, the CCC encouraged a major ramp-up of efforts to address environmental issues. Researchers found that in spite of marine biodiversity losses during the 20th century, losses have slowed and seen a resurgence during the 21st century due to a series of successful interventions. The review cited the increasing population of the nearly extinct humpback whales following the end of commercial hunting in the southwest Atlantic. This positive outcome could last and "substantial recovery" could be achieved within two to three decades if pressures on the world's oceans were addressed. The review, published in science journal Nature, identified climate change as one of the critical roadblocks that could delay or prevent the rehabilitation of marine life, as current trajectories of greenhouse gas emissions continues to rise, leading to a warming of 2.6 to 4.5 °C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, far exceeding the 1.5°C long-term goal of the Paris Agreement.  The review echoes the highlights of the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in September last year, which stressed that climate change is making the ocean less habitable for marine life as it contributes to acidification, loss of oxygen, and changes in nutrient supplies.  The CCC underscored the need for the country’s COVID-19 pandemic recovery strategy to consider biodiversity protection and the sustainable use of natural resources in our pursuit of socioeconomic recovery. As the window of opportunity gradually closes to manage impacts of global temperature rise, the CCC stressed that only by coming together and promoting science-based decision making in all sectors could we sustain a safer, healthier environment for all.

The Climate Change Commission, in partnership with iAcademy, lead an art exhibit entitled, Ctrl + S Now: A Print Exhibition on Climate Change Awareness and Action during the 12th Annual Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. The exhibition featured 30 curated climate-related posters with an accompanying brochure of iAcademy's senior high school students that highlighted the youth's modern solutions to the climate crisis and demands for urgent and ambitious climate actions. [Photo from iAcademy's Facebook Page.]   MANILA, 28 April 2020 – Reiterating the need to advance the cause of a better planet amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) renewed its commitment to promote climate change education and youth empowerment in the country. The CCC echoed the pronouncement of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat on the significant role of the youth in climate action, saying that young people are key actors in raising climate change awareness, promoting sustainable lifestyles, conserving nature, and implementing adaptation and mitigation projects. The youth’s ability to find new pathways for climate action was in full display last year, the CCC noted, as the movement #FridaysForFuture started by youth climate change activist Greta Thunberg gained support from millions of people across the globe. In September 2019, more than 7.6 million people participated in the Global Climate Strikes, making it one of the largest coordinated global protests in history. With the support of 73 trade unions, 820 civil society organizations, and 3,000 companies, the movement was able to mobilize 6,100 events across 185 countries. Thousands of students and climate change advocates in the Philippines joined the movement as they demanded governments around the world and the private business to pursue climate justice. To sustain this momentum, the CCC said it will engage more institutions from the private business sector and civil society in its ongoing initiatives for the youth. These include the Annual Climate Science Youth Congress, which showcases the innovative researches of young scientists on climate change adaptation and mitigation, and this year’s launch of the Klima Film Festival which taps into the creativity of the youth to advocate for climate action through film.   In November 2019, the CCC forged cooperation and partnership with the Information and Communications Technology Academy (iAcademy) on promoting climate change advocacy in the youth sector. According to the CCC, pursuing convergence between government and non-government institutions will help bridge the gap between climate science, policy, and practice. With most of the country still under the enhanced community quarantine due to Covid-19, the CCC urged climate change advocates to be more creative in raising awareness and demanding action to address the prevailing climate emergency. The CCC said that the voice of the youth is important in setting the stage for a green recovery that will make the country’s health, economic, and social systems more resilient to pandemics and climate change.

MANILA, 27 April 2020 – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) expressed support to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s call for the establishment of a regional early warning system for pandemics that immediately forewarns countries of imminent public health emergencies.   President Duterte, who chairs the CCC, made the call during his intervention in the Special Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which gathered the region’s heads of state via video conference on April 14, 2020.   President Duterte urged his fellow state leaders to converge and pursue efforts in strengthening national and regional capacities and programs to address current and imminent disease outbreaks.   “COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic the world will face. We have to be ready for future outbreaks. We therefore have to improve and expand existing ASEAN’s mechanisms to cover public health emergencies. Specifically, we should establish an early warning system for pandemics in the region. This is something vital and concrete that we can do in a collective manner,” he said. Among the countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has the third highest number of cases with a total number of 7,579 COVID-19 cases, following Singapore and Indonesia, with 13,624 and 8,882 cases, respectively, as of April 26.   The climate body advised that the strengthening of surveillance and early warning for emerging and re-emerging diseases is critical in ensuring the resilient recovery of ASEAN countries from the pandemic in the new normal, noting that the climate emergency increases the risk of engendering and spreading diseases caused by viruses and pathogens.   With the lacking supply of essential medicines and medical equipment for COVID-19, President Duterte urged to enhance regional cooperation and networking to boost production and facilitate intra-ASEAN trade of these life-saving necessities. He also encouraged the ASEAN countries to remain open for trade to ensure the continuous flow of goods within the region.   President Duterte also supported the undertaking of medical research and development toward finding a cure for COVID-19, as well as Thailand’s proposal to establish a COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund for developing a vaccine or treatment for the disease. “Our present challenge transcends borders and exempts no one. Regardless of how we handle the crisis within our own respective territories, we can only be truly safe if we defeat this virus everywhere. Let us therefore strengthen our networks of solidarity and cooperation. Let us surmount this crisis together,” President Duterte said.

MANILA, 22 April 2020 – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this April 22, Deputy Speaker and Lone District of Antique Representative Loren Legarda called for stronger climate action, encouraging people to join the online climate movement amidst the pandemic created by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). “The phenomenon of climate change is so complex and overreaching in its impacts that we should now begin calling it the ‘climate emergency’,” Legarda said. This year’s theme, "Climate Action," reflects the unprecedented impacts of climate change as it affects food production, water security, settlements, jobs and livelihood, human welfare, safety and security, poverty reduction, economic growth, and, consequently, the overall pursuit of sustainable development. “We have seen many times the impact of natural hazards and the prevalence of disaster risk, exacerbated by climate change. They kill thousands of individuals, wipe out cities and communities, and undo years of development gains,” stated Legarda. As an environmentalist and climate activist, her advocacy for many decades was to protect the environment and call for communities to increase their resilience to climate change through adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures. During her term in the Senate, Legarda enacted vital laws such as Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 which created the Climate Change Commission, mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation in policies and programs. This was followed by the enactment of RA 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. Representing a shift from mere response in times of disasters, the PDRRM law promotes a comprehensive National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan that strengthens the capacity of the national government and promotes locally-led action together with stakeholders, to build the resilience of communities. “The world cannot afford further delays, more so the vulnerable people who end up as climate refugees in their own communities, they who suffer again and again from tragedies brought about by a climate crisis not of their own doing. These vulnerable sectors include our indigenous peoples, farmers, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, women, children and the elderly,” Legarda continued. Despite the COVID-19 crisis and even as most of Earth Day celebrations have been pushed through digital and online media, Legarda urges everyone to continue the fight for climate justice. “As we mark the 50th year of celebrating Earth Day, let us utilize our digital resources and skills to take climate action and raise awareness on protecting the planet while keeping our families safe from the current pandemic. In this celebration, let us always remember that to protect nature is to protect ourselves and our only home, not only for the present but for the future generations,” Legarda said.

Participants representing several local government units of the Province of the Lanao Del Norte during the ELCCAP Training for Lanao Del Norte LGUs.   MANILA, 22 April 2020 – In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the third anniversary of the Paris Agreement taking effect in the Philippines, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) renewed its commitment to advance climate action in the country. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Climate Action”. In a video release, the CCC said that the agency will increase its efforts to raise public awareness and help more communities adapt to climate change. Since 2016, the CCC continues strengthen its Communities for Resilience Program or CORE, which is the main platform of the agency for capacity building and training for the academe and the local government professionals.  Said program is especially focused on enhancing local development and investment plans, including local climate change action plans, local disaster risk reduction and management plans, comprehensive land use plans, and comprehensive development plans, and on preparing quality project proposals for People’s Survival Fund grant funding.  With the current health crisis, the Commission is planning to launch an e-learning version of the CORE. Moreover, the CCC also pledged to further engage national and local leaders to heed the latest climate science as basis in making decisions for the people and the environment, and to support the transition of all sectors to a green economy.  The climate body emphasized that the true test of our country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement will be in the implementation of the necessary measures that will help us achieve the global climate goal – the 1.5°C. In doing all these, the CCC also called on all government agencies, stakeholders and individuals to accelerate efforts, work with even greater vigor and resolve, and make climate action our foremost priority to build a safe and sustainable future for all.