MANILA, 29 June 2020 – On the seventh episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Saving Seeds and Growing with Nature,” House Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda, together with resource persons, will discuss the basics and benefits of permaculture and the importance of saving seeds in ensuring food self-sufficiency. 

The episode will stream on Facebook Live on Thursday, July 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.

Joining Legarda are permaculture and seed saving experts and advocates, including Karen Hizola, Executive Director of Global Seed Savers Philippines; Dr. Blesilda Calub from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños; Bert Peeters, founder of the Philippine Permaculture Association; Jabez Flores of the Permaculture Research PH; and Rina Papio, founder of Green Space Pilipinas.

Reactors will include Karla Delgado from Kai Farms and Atty. Paula Aberasturi of Down to Earth PH.

Legarda, author of House Bill No. 637 or the Food Forest Gardening Act of 2019, highlighted in previous episodes the importance of establishing food gardens as a sustainable practice to help ensure food supply and availability, while helping address climate impacts.

This upcoming episode will also provide practical tips to encourage households and communities to save their own seeds and grow food the permaculture or organic and sustainable way.

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.