Legarda: Battle climate change; push for cultural survival

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Senator Loren Legarda urged Kapampangans and local government units in Central Luzon on Thursday to join the strengthened drive against climate change by fully implementing the Solid Waste Management Act through proper waste segregation from the home source.

Environment champion Legarda, chairman of the Senate’s committee on climate change, also encouraged Filipinos to carry on with the tradition of celebrating festivals in towns and provinces during her visit here, where she was welcomed by Laus Group of Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Levy P. Laus.

“We must remain consistent and strong in our battle against climate change. Everybody is affected and all areas in Pampanga and Central Luzon are vulnerable. Kailangan, lahat tayo ay laging handa sa sakuna dahil buhay nang bawat isa ang nakataya dito. Kailangan din na lahat ng mga LGUs ay ipatupad ang Solid Waste Management Act at segregation from source,” she said.

Legarda added that she has been doing the rounds of the country delivering lectures on climate change and in-between inspecting market places and environmental projects like forest parks and materials recovery facilities which she funded.

“I’ve been to Bulacan and many provinces to inspect these and market places in between delivering lectures on climate change like today at Pampanga Agricultural College and Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University where my son represented me. Mind you, it’s not all about votes but rather pushing for our advocacies and listening to other concerns of our countrymen,” she quipped.

These include, she added, the “cultural survival” of some 110 ethno-linguistic tribes in the country, plus the preservation of traditions like festivals that are important to Filipinos.

“We must continue to enrich these celebrations, which not only remind us of the history and traditions of our towns and provinces, but also unite people and communities as they work together in making our festivals successful,” she said.

The Senator explained that festivals are effective tools in preserving Philippine culture, since these are conducted every year and involve everyone in the community including the young citizens.

She added that fiestas also help boost local economy through tourism, citing some major festivals in Pampanga, such as the Giant Lantern Festival, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the Piestang Tugak or Frog Festival, the Apung Iru Fluvial Festival, and the Sinukwan Festival.

“Since Filipinos enjoy these fiestas in their towns and provinces, these celebrations become effective channels in bringing our culture closer to the people, especially to the youth,” she said.

“I urge all Filipinos to take that extra step of knowing more about the story behind the festivals in our country and take to heart the traditions passed on by our forefathers as these cultural treasures constitute the Filipino soul,” said Legarda.