Legarda becomes first woman to chair Senate Defense Committee, vows strategic reform and climate-security leadership

Senator Loren Legarda has made history as the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation. Her appointment, formalized during the plenary session on September 8, signals a shift in the chamber’s defense leadership that blends strategic reform, regional engagement, and climate-informed resilience.

“Defense is about securing lives, livelihoods, and our future. We must build a force that protects and empowers.” Legarda said.

Legarda enters the role with a strong legislative track record and deep credentials in national security. She holds a Master’s Degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), where she graduated top of her class, and completed the AFP Command and General Staff Course. She was later promoted to Colonel (Reserve) in the Philippine Air Force and authored the award-winning book “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Humanitarian Space: Building Resilience, Fostering Resilient Communities”.

As a pioneer in climate-security integration, Legarda, through this book, has linked climate change to national security risks and proposed resilience audits of AFP installations. Her AFP Resilience Scorecard and Toolkit aim to measure readiness across disaster and humanitarian metrics.

Among her key initiatives is Senate Bill No. 833, which proposes the creation of the Philippine Defense University System (PDUS). The measure seeks to connect existing defense and security schools into one well-organized institution. This will make defense education more complete, efficient, and ready to meet the needs of the country.

“With the PDUS, we can build a new generation of national security leaders who have the skills and knowledge to protect our country and its people. They will be ready not only for today’s problems, but also for future challenges we may face.” Legarda explained.

The four-term senator has been vocal in asserting Philippine sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea, championing resolutions against foreign incursions and calling for full enforcement of the Hague ruling. Her call for increased BFAR presence in the Kalayaan Islands highlights her commitment to ecological protection and food security.

“We must defend our territory, the dignity of our fisherfolk and the integrity of our marine ecosystems,” Legarda said.

Legarda has also championed the welfare of uniformed personnel, proposing to institutionalize salary increases and securing budget allocations for equipment, housing, and veteran support. She co-authored bills providing scholarships and financial aid to families of fallen officers.

Beyond legislation and diplomacy, Legarda continues to shape public discourse by framing the AFP as a humanitarian actor and resilience builder.

“Security goes beyond arms; it is about trust, preparedness, and shared responsibility,” she emphasized.

The Committee on National Defense and the Committee on Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation initially functioned as separate committees. In the 14th Congress, Senator M.A. Madrigal served as chair of the latter. It was only in the 18th Congress that the two committees were merged into today’s unified Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation. With this, Senator Legarda now holds the distinction of being the first woman to chair the consolidated committee.

This marks history, one led by a woman with strategic foresight, ecological grounding, and deep commitment to inclusive leadership. (30)