MANILA 10 June 2020 – In the fourth episode of the online discussion series “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Pathways,” as part two on the topic of sustainable urban mobility, Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda will once again promote biking and other greener modes of transportation as essential means to move commuters and citizens in this period of pandemic and climate crisis.

The fourth episode will air this Thursday, June 11, 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: Mr. Benjamin de la Peña, Advisory Council Member of the Roddenberry Foundation and urban planning expert; The Climate Reality Project (TCRP) Philippines Branch Manager Nazrin Castro; Climate Reality Leader Len Jamandores, and ICSC Urban Transitions Analyst Celine Tabinga. Ambassador Saskia de Lang of the Netherlands will also share knowledge and experience from her home country known for its cycling culture supported by efficient transport systems.

During the first episode discussing sustainable urban mobility, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) supported Legarda’s recommendation to have a bike masterplan in Metro Manila, including the establishment of dedicated, protected, and connected bike lanes, as part of “Better Normal for the Workplace, Communities and Public Spaces Act of 2020” (House Bill 6864 or Better Normal Bill), which she authored and sponsored in Congress.

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.