MANILA, 28 July 2023 – Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda urged government agencies to promote and institutionalize nature-based solutions in the country’s climate policy and programs to address climate and disaster risks.

On World Nature Conservation Day, Senator Legarda highlighted the effectiveness of reforestation and tree planting activities as both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, among other benefits to biodiversity and ecosystems.

“Planting trees is an effective climate change mitigation and adaptation initiative as trees sequester carbon from the atmosphere and absorb and store rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. The roots help stabilize soil to prevent erosion, which can trigger landslides, and their branches and leaves reduce the impact of strong winds during storms and typhoons,” she said.

Senator Legarda has been proactive in her environmental advocacy, filing several bills aimed at protecting the environment such as Senate Bill 2320 or the Sustainable Forest Management Act; Senate Bill 2135 or the Barangay Greening and Forest Land Rehabilitation and Protection Act; Senate Bill 1992 or the Low Carbon Economy Act; and Senate Bill 621 or the Philippine Circular Economy Act.

“Despite having filed several bills and passing laws that support tree planting and reforestation, saving the planet and the future does not end in legislation,” Senator Legarda said.

“We must continue raising awareness and conducting activities and programs that encourage planting more trees. We must engage all stakeholders, especially students and the youth, to foster environmental consciousness in our younger generations,” she added.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) recognizes Senator Legarda’s key role, particularly in legislating relevant laws that support the vision for a low-carbon, climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.

“Senator Loren Legarda’s advocacy for promoting nature-based solutions, low carbon technologies, green market development, and sustainable and community-led climate actions significantly contributes to achieving our low-carbon, climate-smart, climate- resilient, and sustainable development aspirations,” said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje.

"Aligned with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as stated in the SONA and in the Philippine Development Plan, it is through our collective involvement that we will be able to climate-proof the lives and livelihoods of both our present and future generations,” he added.

Senator Legarda is the author and principal sponsor of the Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Republic Act No. 10174 otherwise known as the People’s Survival Fund Act.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPHL.