MANILA 27 May 2020 – In the third episode of the online discussion series “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic of sustainable urban mobility, House Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda will facilitate the discussion on how to encourage cities and citizens to adopt greener modes of transportation and infrastructure. 

The third episode will air this Thursday, May 28, 10AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda or facebook.com/CCCPhl. Mr. Red Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities and bike advocate, will join as Legarda’s co-anchor.

Resource speakers will include: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Ret. General Danilo Lim; Life Cycles PH founder Keisha Mayuga; urban planner behind the Facebook Page MNL Moves Aldrin Pelicano; The Climate Reality Project (TCRP) Philippines Branch Manager Nazrin Castro; and TCRP leader and cyclist Rommel Miles Corro.

As an episode produced in anticipation of World Bicycle Day on June 3, it will highlight the role of bicycles as a common mode of transportation for frontliners and other essential workers during this community quarantine period. It will also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using bicycles, the economic and environmental benefits of cycling, and national and local government strategies to establish bicycle masterplans in key areas.

Legarda had earlier written the members of the Metro Manila Council, urging them to declare cycling as an essential mode of transportation and providing recommendations where dedicated and protected bike lanes can be established to link the cities in Metro Manila.

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 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.