France has conferred on Senator Loren Legarda a prestigious title of Officier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur for her contributions in strengthening ties between Paris and Manila.
French envoy in Manila Marie Fontanel presented the award to Legarda, who said her recognition is also a call to action.
"This award is more than a recognition of past efforts; it is a call to action—a reminder that our partnership knows no bounds and will persist in the face of shared global challenges," she said.
Legarda said cultural diplomacy is the Philippines' fourth pillar of foreign policy, adding that it is “a key that opens doors to political and economic initiatives.”
Among her notable contributions in such field is her support for the establishment of the Philippine Studies Program at Sciences Po and the 2013 Philippine exhibit at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.
Beyond cultural diplomacy, Legarda stressed the enduring partnership between the Philippines and France, which is underscored by shared values and a strong commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change.
She recalled key milestones in such collaboration, including the 2015 Manila Call to Action for Climate Change and her sponsorship of the Paris Agreement in the Philippine Senate in 2017.
Legarda noted her support for the Philippines’ participation in the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, an international effort aimed at protecting at least 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
The two countries further bolstered their cooperation on maritime and climate issues through the “Blue Nations” initiative, ahead of the 2025 UN Oceans Conference in Nice.
The high-level conference is supported by Legarda to advance Sustainable Development Goal 14, focused on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
As a UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience, Legarda reaffirmed her dedication to climate resilience, sustainability, and deepening the Philippines' partnership with France.
"The Philippines and France are true climate allies, bound by a common purpose and a shared responsibility to protect our planet," she said.