MANILA, 14 October 2020 — For the 22nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Transforming Waste into Wages,” ecological solid waste management and recycling advocates will gather to share knowledge on the importance of the circular economy in minimizing waste, and promote sustainable consumption and production as part of the country’s  post-pandemic recovery.
 
The episode, hosted by House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 15 October 2020, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/conglorenlegarda.
 
Both advocates and entrepreneurs will join the online conversation, including Mr. Felicito “Chito” Valmocina, Chairman of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City; Ms. Shine De Castro, co-founder of Old Manila Eco Market; Ms. Wilhelmina “Willie” Garcia, founder of Junk not!; and Katherine Mana-Galido, co-founder of Back to Basics Ecostore.
 
In previous episodes, the online series tackled food gardening, saving seeds, permaculture, good nutrition and diet, youth climate activism, sustainable urban mobility, planting native trees, practical sustainability, narrating risk to resilience stories through books, tree pest and disease management, Panay Island ecology, and the importance of reviving the weaving industry to teach citizens to be self-sustainable and self-sufficient.
 
This upcoming episode will feature local communities and social enterprises that implement ecological solid waste management and eco-friendly programs. These enterprises also generate livelihoods by reusing and upcycling manufactured products which promote sustainable and waste-free practices at home and in the community.
 
Episode 22 of “Stories for a Better Normal” series is also an opportunity to encourage Filipino households and local government units to reduce waste and properly implement R.A. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in their respective communities in support of the government’s thrust of building a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive society during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
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.