MANILA, 03 August 2021 — The 56th episode of “Stories for a Better Normal: Pandemic and Climate Change Pathways” will feature gender-responsive climate programs of local government units and organizations that topped this year’s “Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards,” an initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The episode, conceptualized and hosted by three-term former Senator, now Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda, will air on Thursday, 5 August 2021, 10:00 AM via Facebook Live at facebook.com/CCCPhl and facebook.com/iamlorenlegarda.

Joing the first of the two-part episode are:

• Undersecretary Analiza Teh from Department of Environment and Natural Resources

• Mayor Doris E. Maniquiz of Botolan, Zambales – “Women Leadership, Trailblazers of Environmental Sustainability” (First prize winner)

• Mr. Eduardo M. Bisquera Jr. from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources of Zamboanga City – “Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (GHG): Zamboanga City Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation” (Second prize winner)

• Mayor Maria Clarita G. Limbaro of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur – Sagip-Wakatan Program: Kwentong KLIMA-likasan ng Bayabas, Surigao del Sur (Third prize winner)

“Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan” featured stories and narratives of women and men, and organizations, addressing the impacts of climate change in their communities through gender-responsive programs related to environmental protection and conservation, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.

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. ###