MANILA, 9 September 2020 — For the 17th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “The Plant Doctors Are In!” plant pathologists, entomologists, and foresters will discuss the importance of plant health in promoting biodiversity, sustainable food production, and healthier ecosystems.
 
This episode is in celebration of the International Year of Plant Health declared by the United Nations. Hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, it will air on Thursday, 10 September 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/conglorenlegarda and facebook.com/CCCPhl/.
 
Plant experts who will join the online conversation include Ms. Lysette Lacambra, Technical Specialist of the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer; Dr. Aimee Lynn Dupo, Entomologist and Professor from the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños (CAS-UPLB); and Dr. Armando Palijon, Forester and former Professor of the Institute of Renewable and Natural Resources (IRNR), College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños (CFNR-UPLB).
 
This upcoming episode will provide practical tips on managing common plant pests and diseases using natural methods and share knowledge on maintaining healthy plants by attracting beneficial insects in the gardens.

It also seeks to encourage more Filipinos to appreciate the value of growing plants and vegetables at home for food availability and security.

Previous episodes showed lively discussions on food gardening, saving seeds, permaculture, good nutrition and diet, youth climate activism, sustainable urban mobility, planting native trees, practical sustainability, and risk-to-resilience stories in order to teach citizens to be self-sustainable and self-sufficient.

 
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 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.