MANILA, 23 March 2021 — Bamboo experts and advocates will gather virtually to share knowledge on bamboo farming and opportunities in bamboo development in the new normal on the 39th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic “Bamboo is Life!” This is the last of the four-part episode which focuses on supporting resilient livelihoods.
 
The episode, hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 25 March 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.
 
Joining the online conversation to generate broader public support to the bamboo industry are Deputy Speaker and Ilocos Sur First District Representative Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano; Mayor Esmie Pineda of Lubao, Pampanga; Philippine Bamboo Foundation President Ed Manda; and Architect Jed Michael de Guzman, a bamboo material expert and agripreneur.
 
In previous episodes, the online series tackled the role of traditional weaving, pottery, and coffee 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 highlight the potential of the bamboo industry as a nature-based solution that can help in poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
 
Propagating bamboos can create green jobs and resilient enterprises, as well as provide sustainable livelihoods to millions of people in rural areas. Investing on bamboo can transform people's lives at the grassroots and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for the country.
 
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 with 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.