Recalibrating growth: Legarda advocates for green, inclusive and value-driven development

Following the latest adjustments to the country’s economic outlook, Senator Loren Legarda urged a renewed examination of how the Philippines pursues growth and prepares for future challenges.

Recent data revealed that fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) grew by only 3 percent. This was the slowest quarterly expansion in nearly 15 years, excluding the pandemic. This brought the full-year expansion for 2025 to 4.4 percent, significantly missing the government’s target and marking the lowest annual growth rate since 2011.

In response, the Development […]

Legarda urges urgent education reform as EDCOM II officially submits final report to Senate

Senator Loren Legarda called for urgent and sustained education reform as the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) formally submitted its Final Report, Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026–2035), to the Senate of the Philippines on 27 January 2026.

Legarda, who co-chairs EDCOM II, emphasized the urgency for decisive action to confront the country’s education crisis.

“Kapag edukasyon ang inuuna natin, ang buong bansa ang itinataas natin. We all know that our education sector continues to face serious challenges, […]

Legarda moves to secure PhilHealth Automatic Funding

Senator Loren Legarda opens the year in the 20th Congress with a bold step to strengthen universal health care, introducing Senate Bill No. 1662, the PhilHealth Automatic Funding Act, which mandates the automatic appropriation and release of all funds lawfully due to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“Universal Health Care is a commitment we must honor with clarity and sincerity,” Legarda stated. “PhilHealth must never be left vulnerable to delays or diversions. Every peso earmarked for the health of our […]

Legarda ushers new era for Antique as airport opening seen to boost tourism, regional gateway

Senator Loren Legarda, on Monday, January 19, joined President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. in inaugurating the Antique Airport Development Project, a milestone she had championed for nearly a decade.

Legarda emphasized that the modernized airport is a landmark achievement for Antique and, at the same time, a catalyst for local tourism and regional growth, strengthening connectivity across Western Visayas, particularly for Iloilo and the rest of Panay Island.

Held at the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) Lounge in Barangay Funda-Dalipe, San Jose […]

Legarda stands firm on zero waste, urges stronger national resolve to combat waste crisis

As the Philippines observes National Zero Waste Month this January, Senator Loren Legarda stood firm in her call for a stronger national resolve to confront the country’s mounting waste crisis, warning that the window to prevent irreversible harm to the environment and public health is rapidly closing.

She emphasized that while awareness has grown and community initiatives have flourished, the scale of the challenge demands deeper reforms and collective action.

“Zero Waste initiative is a national imperative,” Legarda declared.

“We must move beyond […]