by Lorna M. Calumpang, KC3 Coordinator
"According to UNFCC,1 one meter sea level rise and the Maldives will be gone, 350,000 people will become climate change refugees;… Again, one meter sea level rise will render 129,000 hectares or 28 out of our 80 provinces of the Philippines under water. We all share the same problem, … Filipino, Timorese, Maldivian, Bhutanese…Bhutan… their vulnerability is the melting of the glaciers which will inundate the whole country…Climate Change affects all of us – farmers, fishermen, academicians, young and old… It is about time that we generate a greater and higher level of awareness and education of our Filipino nation and media on the importance of Climate Change Adaptation."
This was the gist of Senator Legarda’s message during the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)2 ceremony of honoring her as a passionate advocate and champion of various environmental laws, including Climate Change in the Philippines. In their welcome messages, and in the tradition of UPLB which names newly bred hibiscus varieties after women who have made a significant contribution in the Philippine society, Chancellor Rey Velasco and Dean Ma. Victoria Espaldon extended their commendation to Senator Legarda’s works by presenting the UPLB-bred flower, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Loren Legarda.'3 This newly bred flower is a product of long years of research by Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita, a plant breeder of the Institute of Plant Breeding.
In the course of conversations with SEARCA officials, Center Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr. presented to Senator Loren Legarda, SEARCA’s initiatives on Climate Change.
Senator Legarda appreciated SEARCA’s initiative on establishing the Knowledge Center on Climate Change (KC3), which serves as the hub of knowledge solutions on Climate Change Adaptation in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Sectors in Southeast Asia. Specifically, the lady senator requested SEARCA to take lead in developing a popularized video documentary on Climate Change, which will be easily understood by the peoples of Southeast Asia. In addition, she expressed interest to collaborate with the Center in organizing a workshop for media practitioners on emerging bio-innovations related to climate change adaptation.
Aside from KC3, SEARCA’s Climate Change initiatives include funding related research and development activities, organizing learning events,, and dedicating a media grants award for media personalities who have made significant contributions in promoting Climate Change-related news coverage.
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1 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
2 UPLB is celebrating its Centennial Year.
3 www.lorenlegarda.com.ph
