MANILA, 5 July 2021 — Plant experts will gather virtually to promote the critical role of indigenous plants in enhancing biodiversity and adapting to climate change on the 52nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Saving Indigenous Plants.”
 
The program, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 8 July 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.
 
Joining the online conversation are experts in the preservation, promotion, and propagation of Philippine indigenous plants including Architect Rey Solero of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc.; Ronald Achacoso, Curator of the Pinto Arboretum of Philippine Plants; Prof. Liezl M. Atienza, a Nutritionist-Dietician from the University of the Philippines – Los Banos (UPLB); and Leo Fuentes of the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura sa Mindanao.
 
The Philippines is home to several indigenous plants of ecological, cultural, and economic importance. However, the introduction and spread of new varieties of plants and crops have displaced indigenous plants, and the destruction of natural ecosystems due to human activities and climate-related disasters and stresses made growing habitats less favorable for indigenous species.
 
Savings seeds for widespread use, growing indigenous vegetables in home and community gardens, developing new recipes using edible indigenous plants, and protecting endangered native plants, among others, can help preserve biodiversity and habitats for the next generations of Filipinos.
 
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.