Loren urges PBBM to address issues on economy, environment
SENATE President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda hopes to hear President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. tackle issues that would help uplift the lives of Filipinos such as employment, pandemic recovery and the environment during the Chief Executive’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) today.
“I look forward to hearing the President’s plans after a year in office. I’d like to see a roadmap for sustainable pandemic recovery not just in the health sector, but in food and energy security, job creation and livelihood, especially support for MSMEs, which are equally important,” she stated.
Legarda mentioned that the country needs a whole-of-nation approach to realizing a more robust environmental sustainability plan.
Long hailed as a champion in the fight against climate change, she said she is ready to take on priority measures that espouse and promote inclusive, sustainable and resilient development once again as the second regular session of the current Congress commences.
The Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, is in constant threat due to climate change, which devastates the country through extreme weather patterns such as stronger typhoons and intense heat.
Legarda asserted that the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act and the proposed Blue Economy Act could help bring much-needed help to the country.
The lady senator furthers said that there should be an accounting of the country’s vast natural resources. “It is our responsibility to help preserve and, if possible, enrich our God-given gifts,” she conveyed.
Such accounting of the country’s natural resources informs government decision making which can lead to balanced decisions between the need to spur economic growth or the preservation of the environment, she claimed.
Legarda added that the proposed Blue Economy Bill seeks to support efforts to achieve a vibrant and sustainable economy by prioritizing the country’s marine resources.
An archipelago with more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines has abundant marine resources and long coastlines that habitats have utilized for thousands of years.
She also called on the monitoring of various government agencies as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has entered into force for the Philippines.
“I’d like to see our country continuously engage in the global and world stage–in terms of trade, cultural promotion, education, national security, and other forms of cooperation–which the President did in his 12 months as Chief Executive,” she said.
Moreover, Legarda welcomed the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19 through Proclamation No. 297.
Legarda, one of the most prolific lawmakers in the Senate, contributed significantly to many of the laws passed during the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress.
“There is much more to do to achieve sustainable development for our country. As the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress begins, we look forward to crafting more measures that will uplift the lives of our kababayans.
It will always be an honor serving the Filipino people and working toward our nation’s progress,” Legarda concluded.
By Jun M Sarmiento
AUTHOR PROFILE
Nation
