Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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Legarda hopes PBBM will also tackle PH's environmental issues in his 2nd SONA
Philippines
National
Legarda hopes PBBM will also tackle PH's environmental issues in his 2nd SONA
Legarda hopes PBBM will also tackle PH's environmental issues in his 2nd SONA
Published Jul 23, 2023 08:30 am
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said she hopes to hear President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. tackle issues that would help uplift the lives of Filipinos such as employment, pandemic recovery, and the environment during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda (O/S Sen. Legarda)
"I look forward to hearing the President's plans after a year in office. I'd like to see a roadmap for sustainable pandemic recovery not just in the health sector, but in food and energy security, job creation, and livelihood, especially support for MSMEs, which are equally important," she stated on Sunday, July 23.
The Philippines, she said, clearly needs a whole-of-nation approach to realizing a more robust environmental sustainability plan as it is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and is in constant threat due to climate change, devastating the country through extreme weather patterns such as stronger typhoons and intense heat.
Legarda, known for her advocacies on climate change, said she is ready to take on priority measures that espouse and promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development once again as the second regular session of the current Congress commences.
Two measures—the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act and the proposed Blue Economy Act—can help resolve the pressing environmental concerns of the country, Legarda stressed.
“We should consider and account for our country's natural resources, for it is our responsibility to help preserve and, if possible, enrich our God-given gifts,” she said.
“If we are aware of the amount of our vast natural resources, the government can find ways to make informed decisions which could balance the spur of economic growth and the preservation of the environment,” she continued.
The proposed Blue Economy Bill, for one, seeks to support efforts to achieve a vibrant and sustainable economy by prioritizing the country's marine resources.
Likewise, Legarda pressed the government to monitor the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement which has entered into force for the Philippines.
“I'd like to see our country continuously engage in the global and world stage – in terms of trade, cultural promotion, education, national security, and other forms of cooperation – which the President did in his 12 months as Chief Executive,” she said.
At the same time, Legarda welcomed the lifting of the state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines through Proclamation No. 297.
"This is indeed a significant development in our fight against COVID-19. This is good news for everyone and a fresh start toward rebuilding after the pandemic,” she said.
“The global health crisis has posed tremendous challenges but also provided many learnings and an opportunity to transform and reimagine our systems, especially strengthening our primary healthcare delivery,” the lawmaker emphasized.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda (O/S Sen. Legarda)
"I look forward to hearing the President's plans after a year in office. I'd like to see a roadmap for sustainable pandemic recovery not just in the health sector, but in food and energy security, job creation, and livelihood, especially support for MSMEs, which are equally important," she stated on Sunday, July 23.
The Philippines, she said, clearly needs a whole-of-nation approach to realizing a more robust environmental sustainability plan as it is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and is in constant threat due to climate change, devastating the country through extreme weather patterns such as stronger typhoons and intense heat.
Legarda, known for her advocacies on climate change, said she is ready to take on priority measures that espouse and promote inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development once again as the second regular session of the current Congress commences.
Two measures—the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act and the proposed Blue Economy Act—can help resolve the pressing environmental concerns of the country, Legarda stressed.
“We should consider and account for our country's natural resources, for it is our responsibility to help preserve and, if possible, enrich our God-given gifts,” she said.
“If we are aware of the amount of our vast natural resources, the government can find ways to make informed decisions which could balance the spur of economic growth and the preservation of the environment,” she continued.
The proposed Blue Economy Bill, for one, seeks to support efforts to achieve a vibrant and sustainable economy by prioritizing the country's marine resources.
Likewise, Legarda pressed the government to monitor the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement which has entered into force for the Philippines.
“I'd like to see our country continuously engage in the global and world stage – in terms of trade, cultural promotion, education, national security, and other forms of cooperation – which the President did in his 12 months as Chief Executive,” she said.
At the same time, Legarda welcomed the lifting of the state of public health emergency throughout the Philippines through Proclamation No. 297.
"This is indeed a significant development in our fight against COVID-19. This is good news for everyone and a fresh start toward rebuilding after the pandemic,” she said.
“The global health crisis has posed tremendous challenges but also provided many learnings and an opportunity to transform and reimagine our systems, especially strengthening our primary healthcare delivery,” the lawmaker emphasized.