Loren cites private sector’s climate change initiative

Senator Loren Legarda yesterday lauded the efforts of the private sector in helping the government address climate change-induced problems that tend to worsen the lives of the poor.

The Philippines’ noted environmental advocate cited the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc (FCCCI), which joined the nation in the celebration of the World Environment Day by means of tree planting Friday.

“While traditionally, the government has the burden of uplifting its people out of poverty, our long experience with massive poverty has shown that components of the private sector are able and willing to contribute much-needed help,” Loren said in her message to the FCCCI.

She said the FCCCI is “one that stands out in the private sector.”

Loren led the tree planting activity held at the Chinese Garden in the Luneta Park, Manila which was attended by relatives and family members of those belonging to the FCCCI.

“I thank you all for being here today with me in our celebration of the World Environment Day. Today, I can see your eagerness and willingness to spare a portion of your very busy schedule in order to support this year’s World Environment Day,” she said.

This year’s theme for the World Environment Day is “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change.”

Loren also took the occasion to inform the FCCCI of the Philippines being one of the countries which have been actively participating in the movement for climate change awareness and action.

She said that the Climate Change Act bill which has been passed by the Senate would create a Climate Change Commission that would be the government’s policy-making body that will coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the programs and action plans relating to climate change.  The bill was introduced by the Senate climate change committee headed by Senator Legarda.

In the international level, the Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol, among other international agreements on climate change, she added.

“But the government,” she said, “cannot take full credit for the milestones we have reached in our advocacy of the environment.”

“The private sector, including business and entrepreneurs, has been the government’s active partner in environmental protection,” she stressed.