Legarda: Reading Must Lead to Understanding, Highlights Importance of Supporting Book Institute of the Philippines to Improve Literacy

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the need for stronger support for the Book Institute of the Philippines (BIP) to help address the country’s literacy challenges, as the latest national survey showed that only 70.8 percent of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 met the functional literacy standard.
Legarda made the statement following the graduation of 12 emerging publishing professionals during Solidaridad Literary Series V on October 30 at Solidaridad Bookshop in Manila, underscoring the role of Filipino publishers in producing books that encourage […]

Legarda Pushes Affordable Water for Poor Families, Curbs on Excessive Commercial Use as Second Point of 10-Point El Niño Action Plan

Senator Loren Legarda is pushing for more affordable water rates for low-income families and stronger measures to discourage excessive commercial water consumption as the second priority under her 10-Point Policy Action Plan against the worsening effects of El Niño.
The proposal calls on local water districts, water service providers, and concerned regulators to explore imposing penalties or higher charges for excessive, non-essential commercial water use, particularly in activities such as golf course irrigation, commercial swimming pools, and industrial washing. Additional revenues […]

Legarda Pushes Rainwater Catchment Systems in Schools as First of 10-Point El Niño Action Plan

Senator Loren Legarda is calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) to immediately prioritize rainwater catchment systems in public schools, the first of ten measures under her 10-Point Policy Action Plan to address the worsening effects of El Niño.
The proposal seeks to help schools collect and store available rainfall for essential sanitation needs, particularly in communities with unreliable water supply, as the country prepares for prolonged dry spells and possible water shortages in the coming […]

Legarda pushes stronger recognition of Indigenous voices as Solidaridad V bridges living traditions and Philippine publishing

The stories of Indigenous communities must remain rooted in the voices and experiences of the people who carry them, Senator Loren Legarda emphasized, as Solidaridad Literary Series V brought Hanunuo Mangyan cultural bearers and twelve emerging publishing professionals together in Manila to explore how living traditions can be preserved and shared with wider audiences.
Held on October 30 at Solidaridad Bookshop, Ambahan, Ambagan: Isang Pagtataguyod ng Kalinangang Katutubo marked Indigenous Peoples’ Month and the graduation of fellows of the Book Institute […]

Legarda Calls for Accurate Data, Research, Indigenous Participation in Documenting Philippine Languages

Senator Loren Legarda underscored the need for rigorous research, reliable data, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities to ensure the accurate identification, documentation, and preservation of Philippine languages.

In her message for the launch of the Atlas at Mapa ng mga Wika ng Pilipinas by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) on October 29, 2026, Legarda emphasized that language documentation must be grounded in scientific research and validated information, with the active participation of the communities whose languages are being studied.
Legarda […]