MANILA, 14 September 2021 — Young Filipino conservationists and climate advocates will gather virtually to promote meaningful youth engagement in environmental and climate action on the 62nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Campaign For Nature.”
 
The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 16 September 2021, 10AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers will win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.
 
Joining the online conversation are Ann Dumaliang, Managing Trustee and Co-founder of Masungi Georeserve; Mark Edison Raquino, Research and Development Coordinator of DALUHAY; and Tasha & Bella Tanjutco, Co-founders of Kids for Kids PH to campaign for an immediate, collective action for biodiversity conservation.
 
The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, accommodating two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity, and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species. The country’s unique biodiversity supported by a large variety of ecosystems, landscapes and habitats benefit the Filipinos. Providing them food, water, energy sources, pharmaceuticals, biomass fuels, carbon sequestration and climate regulation, crop pollination, cultural and spiritual inspiration and ecotourism value.
 
However, most of these are now greatly threatened by human activities. There are at least 700 endangered and threatened species in the Philippines. Hence, the need to prioritize biodiversity conservation.
 
The upcoming episode will feature young Filipino conservationists and climate advocates who are at the forefront of generating broad public support for the Philippines’ campaign towards conservation of its nature and biodiversity.
 
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.