Loren brings climate change issue to Mindanao

SEN. LOREN LEGARDA TODAY URGED MINDANAOANS TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
Loren visited Tangub City in Misamis Occidental on Friday to grace the celebration of the Christmas Symbols Festival.
In her remarks during the annual festival, Loren said Filipinos must “protect the environment and our natural resources because these are vital to our economic and social development.”
“Our experience in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon last year with back-to-back typhoons tells us very clearly that climate change is here, and that it can bring tragic consequences to our communities,” Loren pointed out.
“We have stronger typhoons today because of climate change. On the other hand, we will also witness prolonged dry spells and droughts that will affect agriculture and destroy crops,” Loren explained.
More than this, she said, “climate change will also exacerbate poverty.”
Loren said the Climate Change Act which she authored and which came into effect late last year is aimed precisely at helping people and communities to combat the adverse effects of climate change, including extensive flooding and prolonged dry spells.
Loren gave the assurance that she would continue to push for policies and programs that would allow our communities to cope with the destruction and loss of lives that are the consequences of climate change.
Loren told her audience that in the recent Copenhagen Climate Change Conference attended by many world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, she urged the developed countries to assist the developing countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change.
“I will continue to closely monitor the climate change issue,” Loren said, adding that Filipinos should be spared from the tragedy and hardship caused by natural calamities.
Loren said she would also continue efforts to uplift the living conditions of the poor. The disadvantaged and the marginalized, she pointed out, should be helped so that their children can eat nutritious food and finish school, and the sick can get ample medical care.
Loren urged the local officials and the people in Tangub City to preserve the natural environment as this would help attract more visitors to the city and the province of Misamis Occidental.
Tangub City is a popular tourist destination because of its attractions such as the colorful Christmas Symbols Festival, which takes place well in January. The rest of the country generally ends the Christmas season with the observance of Three Kings.