MANILA, 2 March 2021 — Filipino brick and pottery makers will gather virtually to share knowledge on the traditional crafts and masterpieces made of clay, and to generate broader public support to the pottery and brickmaking industry and other culture-based livelihoods on the 36th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Pottery and Brickmaking Enterprises.” This is the second of the four-part episode which focuses on promoting resilient livelihoods.
 
The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 4 March 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.
 
Joining the online conversation are potters and brickmakers from the various areas in the country, including Sheryl Ebon-Martinez, a ceramicist from Oryoqi Handmade Pottery; Siegrid Bangyay, a ceramic artist from Sagada, Mountain Province; Alvin Obrique, pottery maker from Sibalom, Antique; and Anacleto Amar, brickmaker from Tibiao, Antique. They will also be joined by Nelia Elisa Florendo, chief of Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology; Rosaly Jean Resolute, Business Counsellor from Negosyo Center of the Department of Trade and Industry; and Elsie Marie Carloto, a ceramic teacher and researcher at the University of Antique.
 
In previous episodes, the online series tackled the role of traditional weaving, handicrafts, and embroidery industry in providing environmentally-sustainable and viable livelihood options to communities, while preserving cultural heritage and local craftspersonship.
 
In this episode, Legarda and guests will call on the families, local governments and the general public to support and protect the culture-based livelihoods which not only provide income to the local communities, but also preserve the cultural heritage of the country.
 
“Through culture-based livelihood like pottery and brickmaking, we provide our people sources of income and at the same time contribute to preserving our cultural heritage. There is also a stronger sense of ownership by the community because they inherited these traditions from their ancestors. Through this episode, we hope to develop among our viewers the interest in traditional skills and present the economic opportunities that can be derived from acquiring or improving on such skills,” said Legarda.
 
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 Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation.