Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda in one of her campaign sorties in Rizal province. Photo from Loren Legarda’s office
MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Loren Legarda has called on local government units in Rizal Province to strengthen their defense against climate change.
The former three-term senator cited the recent study of the Global Climate Risk Index by the Germanwatch organization which indicated that the Philippines ranked 4th among most affected countries globally by the impacts of weather-related events.
Thus, efforts in combating climate change must be doubled, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding including Rizal, she said.
“Rizal is a very beautiful province. They say it is ‘where you touch base with nature and art without losing touch with the finer points of urban life.’ Ngunit sa kabila nito, madalas, ang Rizal ay isa sa mga probinsya na lubhang naaapektohan ng pagbaha tuwing may malakas na bagyo,” said Legarda said during the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) local candidates proclamation rally in Taytay Rizal, on Saturday.
“This is why we have to increase our understanding of disaster and climate science, impacts, and policy responses.”
She said LGUs should effectively implement climate change adaptation, and mitigation and disaster risk reduction measures, to ensure that Rizal develops communities that are safer and more resilient to extreme weather events.
As the author of most landmark laws on climate adaptation and disaster resilience, Legarda encouraged her fellow candidates for 2022 Elections to include in their platform the nature-based solutions and the implementation of efficient flood control management, ecological solid waste management, and localized early warning systems.
The three-term Senator also urged all leaders to undertake a more people-centered approach to decision-making by adopting elaborate policies that highlight sustainable development and benefit more vulnerable people.
“We must promote nature-based solutions to ensure that all communities are safe from flooding and other disaster-related risks,” she said.
In her 20 years in public office, Legarda has provided Rizal Province access to national government programs that sustain the needs of Rizaleños.
She allocated funds to provide emergency employment and livelihood for unemployed and displaced workers under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa AtingDisadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in the province.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Legarda also allotted funds for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in the province and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in Cainta and in Antipolo City through Ako Bakwit Inc.
As a National TESDA Kabalikat Awardee, Legarda has allocated funds for the Barangay Kabuhayan Skills Training Program (BKSTP), Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) that hones the skills of the labor force, as well as promote entrepreneurship among Rizaleños.
Moreover, Legarda also funded the rehabilitation and improvement of roads and a bridge in Pililla, Tanay, Teresa, Morong, and Infanta.
As a member of the NPC, Legarda joined the proclamation rally of NPC local candidates in Taytay, Rizal on Saturday.
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