Banning single-use plastics in 42nd episode of ‘Stories for a Better Normal’ Series

MANILA, 20 April 2021 — In celebration of Earth Day this April 22, distinguished policymakers will gather virtually to share information on the current discussions on the bill to ban single-use plastics nationwide on the 42nd episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways,” with the topic, “The Single-Use Plastics Problem: Perspective from Policymakers.”

The episode, hosted by Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 22 April 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda, as part of the Earth Day 2021 Webcast – PINASiglang Mundo.

The Earth Day 2021 Webcast – PINASiglang Mundo is organized by the Climate Change Commission, Department of Finance, Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, and The Climate Reality Project Philippines, in collaboration with the Break Free from Plastic Philippines coalition, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Local Government Academy, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines, and British Embassy Manila, with support from the Philippine Information Agency, the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc., Odistry, GMA Network, and CNN Philippines.

Joining the online conversation are notable policymakers Rep. Edgar Chatto, Chair of the House Committee on Climate Change and Representative of the First District of Bohol; Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez, Chair of the House Committee on Ecology – Technical Working Group on Single-Use Plastics and Representative of the Third District of Negros Occidental; and Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Albay, Focal for Environment and Climate Change of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

In previous episodes, the online series tackled the importance of urgently reducing plastic pollution and raising awareness on its negative effects on public health and the environment.

In this episode, Legarda and esteemed guests will further highlight the pending legislation to ban single-use plastics as the major advocacy that can maximize and deepen this year’s celebration of the Earth Day event.

This April 22 is the 51st anniversary of the Earth Day celebration, which aims to raise awareness and drive support for planetary protection and action. For this year, the theme “Restore Our Earth” underscores the need to address the global climate crisis and its resulting pressure on our ecosystems, biodiversity, food and water, public health, and our industries and communities.

This episode will encourage stakeholders to support legislative and local efforts on banning single-use plastic products as an effective and immediate way to address the problems of pollution and climate change.

As an online discussion to promote health, environmental consciousness, and climate-adaptive practices, “Stories for a Better Normal” aims to change the mindset of individuals, families, and communities by demonstrating ways in which a ‘better normal’ can be realized within our communities.

This online discussion is organized in partnership between the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda and the Climate Change Commission, with support from the Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, The Climate Reality Project-Philippines and Mother Earth Foundation. ###