Speech of Senator Loren Legarda: Launch of “Journey to Climate Resilience: The Philippine Story” and Women Climate Leaders Video Documentaries: Filipina Changemakers

Keynote Speech by Senator Loren Legarda
Launch of “Journey to Climate Resilience: The Philippine Story” and
Women Climate Leaders Video Documentaries: Filipina Changemakers
Philippine Resilience Awards 2024
November 25, 2024 | SMX Manila, Pasay City

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, climate advocates, and most importantly, our resilience champions—good morning.

Today is a day of stories—stories of struggle, hope, and triumph. We celebrate the Filipino spirit that has, time and time again, proven its resilience in the face of adversity.

I am deeply honored to be here with all of you as we launch the “Journey to Climate Resilience: The Philippine Story” and the “Filipina Changemakers” video documentaries. We recognize the remarkable leaders who have been awarded the Philippine Resilience Awards for 2024.

As I stand here, I am reminded of the long journey we have all been part of—a journey filled with challenges and victories that have shaped our path towards climate resilience.

More than a decade has passed since we took bold steps to institutionalize climate governance in the Philippines. Landmark laws like the Climate Change Act and the People’s Survival Fund Act, which I had the privilege of authoring, were crafted with one goal in mind: to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that our nation remains strong against the impacts of climate change.

But laws alone do not build resilience. It is the people—individuals, communities, and leaders like those we honor today—who breathe life into these policies. Thus, I am proud to share with you what we have co-created with the CCC— this book titled “Journey to Climate Resilience: The Philippine Story”, a living testament to the collective efforts of all Filipinos to protect their homes, families, and futures against the climate crisis.

This book captures not just our national policies, but also the stories of communities that have embraced resilience, of local governments that have prioritized risk-informed planning, and of individuals who are champions of adaptation and mitigation.

At the heart of this resilience are our women—women who have led with courage, compassion, and determination. The “Filipina Changemakers” video documentaries tell the inspiring stories of women from all walks of life who are driving transformative climate action.

Women like Nida Collado of Palawan, who leads her community to protect their forests, and Mila Boñgalbal of Albay, who equips her community with resilient agricultural practices, are proof that when we empower women, we empower entire communities.

Most of those displaced by climate change impacts are women and girls. Yet, despite this vulnerability, women have shown that they are not victims—instead, they are powerful agents of change. Their knowledge, experience, and leadership are critical to build resilience. This is why we must continue to amplify their voices, not only in the community but in decision-making processes at all levels of government.

Today, we also recognize the winners of the Philippine Resilience Awards 2024. These individuals have demonstrated exemplary commitment to build climate and disaster resilience in their communities. They are the embodiment of the Filipino spirit—unyielding, innovative, and deeply rooted in care for others. Their work demonstrates that resilience is not just a concept, but a way of life that we must all embrace.

Our journey towards resilience is far from over. Climate change will continue to test us, but I firmly believe that the Filipino people have the strength and the ingenuity to overcome these challenges. We have seen this in the way local communities have come together to rebuild after disasters, in the way farmers have adopted sustainable practices, and in the way women have taken on leadership roles in resilience-building.

But we cannot do this alone. As we move forward, I call on all of us—policymakers, advocates, businesses, civil society, and the international community—to work hand in hand. We must ensure that resources reach the most vulnerable, that our policies are inclusive, and that we continue to innovate and find solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.

In closing, let us be reminded that resilience is not a destination but a continuous process. It requires commitment, collaboration, and, most of all, compassion for one another. As we celebrate today’s milestones, let us also reaffirm our dedication to build a more resilient Philippines—one that leaves no one behind, one that empowers the vulnerable, and one that protects the future of generations to come.

Thank you, and may today’s event inspire us all to act with greater urgency and unity in the face of the climate crisis.

Mabuhay, and may we continue to walk this journey together towards a resilient and sustainable future.