MANILA, 5 October 2021 — Fisherfolk leaders and fisheries advocates will gather virtually to promote the protection and restoration of the marine environment to revive the fisheries sector on the 65th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “Pangingisda sa Nagbabagong Klima.”
 
The online conversation, conceptualized and hosted by a three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 7 October 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda. Two lucky viewers can win tablets by tuning in throughout the program.
 
Joining the online conversation are Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, Chairperson of the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolk Associations in Zamboanga Sibugay and Ramon Magsaysay awardee 2021; Ruperto “Ka Uper” Aleroza, National Anti-Poverty Commission Vice Chair for Basic Sectors; and Atty. Rhea Yray-Frossard, Fisheries Management Officer and Coordinator to discuss climate resilience efforts in the fisheries sector.
 
The Philippines, being an archipelagic country, is surrounded by vast marine and inland waters. The Philippine seas supply food for the whole country, and fisheries are one of the major industries that provide a livelihood to millions of Filipinos.
 
However, marine productivity has been declining due to environmental degradation and ineffective management of humans, and the overheating oceans due to climate change are killing the coral reefs that serve as habitats for marine wildlife. Moreover, unsustainable fishing, such as overfishing and illegal fishing, is the most pervasive of all local threats to coral reefs and marine wildlife. All of these factors contribute to the decline of fish in the oceans and the loss of livelihood of fisherfolk.
 
The upcoming episode will highlight climate change adaptation practices as well as the protection and restoration efforts of our fisherfolk and advocate groups to further encourage national and local governments to provide adequate support to the fisheries sector.
 
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.