Legarda, isinusulong ang Magna Carta of Waste Workers
Muling inihain ni Senadora Loren Legarda ang isang panukalang batas na naglalayong ayusin ang kondisyon ng pagtatrabaho ng mga waste worker dahil sa kanilang mahalagang papel sa kalusugan ng taumbayan.
“Humaharap sa panganib ang ating mga waste worker sa kanilang araw-araw na trabahong pangongolekta ng ating mga basura,” wika ni Legarda.
“Marami rin sa kanila ang mababa ang suweldo, hindi tiyak ang kaligtasan, at nadi-discriminate dahil sa kanilang trabaho,” aniya.
Tatawaging pormal ang mga nagtatrabaho para sa pamahalaan, pribadong kumpanya, o kooperatiba; at impormal ang mga mangangalakal.
Magkakaroon ng GSIS o SSS coverage, hazard pay, at representasyon sa Solid Waste Management Board ang mga waste worker.
Sila rin ay bibigyan ng pagkakataong sumailalim sa libreng taunang medical exam, pati na ang pagbibigay sa kanila ng personal protective equipment, at mga bakuna.
Higit pa rito ay pa-ospital at regular check-up hatid ng health maintenance organization o HMO. Kasama rin ang physical, dental, mental health, at psychosocial examinations upang matutukan ang pisikal at mental na kalusugan ng waste workers.
Hindi dapat humigit sa walong oras ang kanilang trabaho, at ang sosobra rito ay babayaran ng overtime o ng holiday pay.
Aatasan ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na tiyaking maayos ang kondisyon ng mga waste worker, kabilang ang pagpapatupad ng security of tenure.
Ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang magbibigay ng social protection, samantala ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) naman ang magsisiguro ng tamang implementasyon ng Solid Waste Management Act.
Pag-aaccredit naman ang magiging tungkulin ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“Hindi masyadong napapansin ng waste management industry, ngunit mahalaga ito sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay. Ang ating mga waste worker ay nagtatrabaho araw-araw upang di kumalat ang sakit,” giit ni Legarda.
“Ang pagpasa ng panukalang ito ay isang pasasalamat sa mga nagtatrabaho ng ganito na marangal.”
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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XII showcased the transformative power of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in advancing inclusive and resilient development during the 2025 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) held on August 27–29, 2025 at the Grand Summit Hotel, General Santos City.
Anchored on the theme “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and the subtheme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” the celebration emphasized the role of STI in shaping secure, comfortable, and future-ready communities.
Day 1 of RSTW opened with thematic events showcasing the power of STI. Handa Pilipinas Rehiyon Dose highlighted science-based resilience for safer communities, while PROPEL the Future provided a platform for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs to accelerate technology commercialization.
On Day 2, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. graced the event, underscoring the Department’s vital role in delivering science-based solutions to protect lives, safeguard livelihoods, and secure development gains. “It is important that we understand the problem. If we don’t understand the problem, maybe our interventions may not be enough,” he stressed during Handa Pilipinas Rehiyon Dose.
Major highlights included the launching and MOA signing of the SMART-ER SOCCSKSARGEN Project, awarding of the 2025 Best CEST and Best SETUP regional winners, the converted electric tricycle (CTrike) project in Cotabato, the MOA signing for two 10+1 seater all-electric tourist trams, and the launch of the AI Bayanihan Challenge. These initiatives reflect DOST’s commitment to clean technologies, smart mobility, and inclusive digital transformation.
Throughout the three-day celebration, participants explored forums and exhibits showcasing advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and digital ecosystems, alongside grassroots-driven innovations. The RSTW underscored that building smart and sustainable communities begins with people — with inclusivity, accessibility, and dignity for all at its core.
The 2025 RSTW in SOCCSKSARGEN concluded with a reaffirmation: the event is not merely a celebration but part of a continuing mission. Each partnership, program, and initiative demonstrated how science, technology, and innovation address pressing challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.
By positioning STI at the heart of resilience and progress, DOST XII strengthens its role as a catalyst for communities that are not only technologically equipped but also sustainable, future-ready, and anchored on compassion and inclusivity. (Nelson Santos)
The afternoon sessions of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) featured two parallel R&D Summits that highlighted pioneering projects aligned with regional development priorities.
R&D Summit 1 focused on innovations in textiles, smart mobility, and sustainable urban transport:
Ms. Jona May G. Basit of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) introduced “SEDA Pilipinas,” a groundbreaking project merging traditional Philippine silk weaving with advanced technology to promote sustainable livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage.
Mr. Timothy Joshua Vargas, President and Co-founder of Mobility Vision+, showcased smart mobility solutions that leverage digital platforms and data analytics to improve transportation efficiency in cities.
Dr. Audy R. Quebral, Project Leader of eTram and CEO of Aparri Campus, discussed the development of an eco-friendly transport system aimed at cutting carbon emissions and supporting sustainable urban growth.
These presentations were followed by an engaging open forum where participants exchanged ideas on blending science, culture, and technology for sustainable progress.
R&D Summit 2 centered on community-focused research tackling social welfare, disaster preparedness, and agriculture:
Dr. Noel S. Gunay of Mindanao State University-General Santos introduced “ItWatcher,” an AI-powered 24/7 traffic monitoring system designed to enhance road safety and traffic flow in General Santos City.
Dr. Mary Jane K. Balawag of Notre Dame University presented her study on the psychosocial impact of maternal incarceration on children, highlighting the need for stronger social support systems.
Engr. Christopher A. Benito of the University of Southern Mindanao presented the “USM Center for Flood/Landslide Preparedness and Mitigation,” a project aimed at strengthening community resilience through disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.
Dr. Edward Barlaan showcased his research on cacao varietal fingerprinting, which identifies high-yield and quality cacao varieties to improve farmer productivity and preserve traditional Philippine strains.
The session concluded with a strong call for collaboration among academe, government, industry, and communities, underscoring that addressing real-world challenges through innovation requires collective effort. (Alex P. Josol, Cathy Q. Cat and Amirel Mamacotao)
TAGAYTAY CITY — In a decisive push for public safety and preparedness, the Tagaytay Component City Police Station (CCPS) conducted a full-scale Simulation Exercise on September 2, 2025, simulating an active shooting and robbery-in-progress scenario at Fora Mall. The drill, which began at 6:00 AM, mobilized police personnel, Field Training Program (FTP) trainees, mall employees, and security staff in a coordinated effort to test emergency protocols and rapid response strategies.
Led by PLTCOL Jefferson P. Ison, Acting Chief of Police, the exercise opened with a comprehensive briefing and orientation, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness, inter-agency coordination, and swift tactical execution during high-risk incidents. The simulation was designed not only to assess operational readiness but also to foster a culture of vigilance among private sector partners and frontline responders.
The initiative was made possible through the leadership of Hon. Aizack Brent D. Tolentino, City Mayor of Tagaytay, whose commitment to proactive safety measures has resulted in a series of drills across key business establishments in the city. His support underscores the local government’s dedication to building resilient communities through strategic preparedness.
Regional and provincial police leadership also played a pivotal role in the success of the exercise. PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, Regional Director of PRO 4A CALABARZON, and PCOL Ariel R. Red, Provincial Director of Cavite PPO, provided guidance and institutional backing, reinforcing the importance of continuous training and scenario-based learning in law enforcement operations.
Mall employees and security personnel actively participated in the drill, simulating real-time responses and evacuation procedures. Their involvement highlighted the critical role of private sector stakeholders in ensuring public safety, especially in high-footfall commercial areas vulnerable to security threats.
This simulation marks a significant step in Tagaytay’s broader public safety agenda, demonstrating how collaboration between government, police, and the business community can translate into tangible preparedness. As threats evolve, so too must the city’s capacity to respond—and exercises like these serve as vital rehearsals for real-world resilience./RL
Clark, Pampanga—Positioning the Philippines as a premier golfing destination, the Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launched the first-ever Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) on Friday (August 29) at Clark, Pampanga, one of the country’s emerging golf and leisure hubs—marking a major step in integrating golf into the country’s tourism agenda.
GolfEx is a pioneering initiative of the Department designed to showcase the country as a premier golf destination. It is modeled after the DOT’s flagship Philippine Experience Program: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans (PEP) launched nationwide.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ceremonial tee-off at the scenic Mimosa Plus Golf Course, where she was joined by Senator Lito Lapid, members of the Diplomatic Corps, including Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of the Embassy of Malaysia, Ambassador Thai Binh Lai of the Embassy of Vietnam, Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Embassy of Netherlands, Clark Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Agnes Devanadera, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation Senior Vice President Francis Gotianun, and other golf stakeholders from the tourism and business sectors.
“For many years, it has been a long-held desire to bring golf and tourism together in a way that truly unlocks their potential. We have always known that the Philippines—with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality—together with more than a hundred world-class quality golf courses across our islands, has all the makings of a world-class golf destination. What was needed was a deliberate effort to place golf within our broader national strategy, not only as a sport, but as an experience that brings together play, culture, as well as community,” Secretary Frasco emphasized in her speech.
The tourism chief said that under the Marcos Administration, the DOT pivoted to an innovative approach that not only counts the country’s tourist arrivals but also puts a premium on measuring the value of tourist offerings.
“Tourism, after all, is not only about how many people have arrived, but rather about how many livelihoods it sustains, how many enterprises it strengthens, and how deep the pride of place it nurtures across our communities. Golf captures this most beautifully—for when done sustainably, golf is a high-value, low-impact form of tourism that draws travelers to stay longer, spend more, and engage more deeply with our destinations, not to mention come back again and again,” she noted.
With the presence of partners from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, she said that the event strengthens partnerships among all stakeholders by likewise campaigning for the Philippines as a destination for tourist source and opportunity markets.
Furthermore, the Secretary described that the launch of GolfEx in Clark “is no coincidence” as the emerging leisure golf and leisure hub now has a world-class international airport and facilities.
Clark ready to host major golf tournaments and other sporting events
For her part, Atty. Devanadera expressed confidence in Clark’s readiness to host major golf tournaments and other sporting events.
“Clark is ready for the golf tournaments and all kinds of sports tournaments, and we would like to inform you, and to show you, that the secret here is synergy—synergy among the locators, synergy with the government agencies, synergy with our foreign friends, and above all, the leadership of the Department of Tourism, under, of course, the guidance of our President,” she said.
Also present at the kickoff event are Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) Founder and Chairman Michelle Taylan, Tourism Congress of the Philippines President (TCP) James Montenegro, and DOT Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Ferdinand Jumapao, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon and Ronald Conopio, Director for Golf Tourism Lyle Uy, DOT-3 Regional Director Richard Daenos, and other officials of the DOT Central and Regional Offices.
The event highlighted basic golf lessons facilitated by the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PGAP) through the Mimosa Plus Golf Academy. While the members of the Diplomatic Corps, professional golfers and enthusiasts, engaged in an 18-hole friendly golf tournament, allowing them to experience the country’s world-class golf facilities and scenic courses.
On its second day (Aug. 30), delegates were introduced to key landmarks such as the Parade Grounds, Fort Stotsenberg, Centennial Barn Houses, and the historic White House through a rolling tour. Participants were also oriented with Clark’s modern attractions, including Aqua Planet, Clark Safari, Sun Valley Golf and Country Club, and the world-class Clark International Speedway, along with major developments such as the Clark Multi-Specialty Hospital Site and the newly opened Clark International Airport Terminal
In its continuing effort to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to all, the Department of Science and Technology – Pangasinan (DOST-Pangasinan) conducted a Technology Training on Calamansi Juice Processing for 30 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) on August 20, 2025, at the Dagupan City Jail – Male Dormitory (DCJ-MD).
The partnership between DOST-Pangasinan and DCJ-MD forms part of its Skills and Enhancement Training Program for both PDLs and jail officers. The training opens opportunities for microenterprise development inside and outside the facility, giving PDLs a better chance at opening opportunities that support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into their communities
One of the participants, identified as “Mario” (not his real name), shared, “𝘈𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘨-𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢 𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘬𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘬 𝘯𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘵𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯. 𝘛𝘢𝘰𝘴-𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘰 𝘬𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢 𝘬𝘢𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘨𝘰𝘭 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰” (This training has given us hope to start a livelihood once we return to our homes. We are sincerely grateful for the knowledge and for the opportunity to learn while spending our time here).
Mr. Alvin S. Aguilan, Instructor I from Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus, and Ms. Monica May B. Varilla, a Professional Food Technologist from the DOST Region 1 – PSU Food Innovation Center served as the resource persons of the training. The activity featured Calamansi Juice Processing as one of the technology offerings of the PSU–DOST Region 1 FIC under its extension and skills training program, which aims to promote food innovation and enterprise development. The participants also learned about current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Basic Food Safety, essential foundations for producing safe and market-ready food products.
SJO4 William L. Atiwag Jr., DCJ-MD Unit Executive Senior Jail Officer, emphasized the importance of the activity, noting that the support of DOST-Pangasinan and PSU-DOST 1 FIC greatly contributes to empowering PDLs by providing them with technology-based skills training that prepares them for livelihood and reintegration. (Brenn Justin P. Guevarra)
On this day, August 29, the Church commemorates the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, who was executed for speaking truth to power and refusing to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing.
Exactly four months ago, on April 29, our father, veteran journalist Johnny Dayang, met a similar fate. He was assassinated for being a fearless voice of conscience, a man who dedicated his life to truth, and someone who never compromised in his duty to inform the public. Like John the Baptist, he unsettled those who thrived in silence and falsehood. And like St. John, he was silenced by violence.
As his family, we affirm that while his life was cut short, his voice endures. His writings, his example, and his memory remain alive. His legacy as a journalist and as a truth-teller cannot be erased.
Violence may end a life, but it can never extinguish the truth for which that life was lived.
We continue to seek justice for his assassination, holding on to the hope that those responsible will be held accountable.
“Four months after the assassination of our father, veteran journalist Johnny Dayang, we mark today’s Feast of the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. Like St. John, he was silenced by violence for speaking truth to power. But his voice, his legacy, and the truth he lived for can never be erased.” – The Dayang Family
ISANG provincial level Most Wanted Person (MWP) ang naaresto ng mga awtoridad kamakailan sa Carmona City, Cavite.
Ang akusadong si alyas Balbino, residente ng Barangay F. De, Carmona City, ay naaresto sa bisa ng warrant of arrest na ipinalabas ng Regional Trial Court, Carmona City, Cavite, nitong Agosto 11.
Ito ay para sa kasong Acts of Lasciviousness sa ilalim ng Article 336 ng RPC, kaugnay ng Section 5(B) ng RA 7610, na may inirekomendang piyansa na P180,000.00.
Isinagawa ng mga operatiba ng warrant section ng Carmona Component City Police Station ang operasyon dakong alas-2:50 ng hapon nitong Setyembre 1 sa Barangay Bancal, na gamit ang dalawang Alternative Recording Devices.
Hinimok ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang Office of the Ombudsman na magsagawa ng maagap na lifestyle checks sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno bilang panangga laban sa korapsyon.
Iminungkahi ito ni Cayetano sa kanyang pagtatanong sa mga kandidato na nagnanais maging susunod na Ombudsman, na isinagawa ng Judicial and
Bar Council (JBC) mula August 28 hanggang September 2, 2025.
Si Cayetano ang Senate representative sa JBC sa kanyang kapasidad bilang Chair ng Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
“I’d really like for you to consider lifestyle checks. Kasi kung wala, there’s no deterrent,” sabi ni Cayetano sa isang kandidato para sa pagka-Ombudsman.
Ipinaliwanag ng senador ang kahalagahan ng lifestyle checks sa pagkumpirma kung naaayon ba ang pamumuhay ng isang opisyal ng gobyerno kumpara sa idineklarang kayamanan base sa kanyang opisyal na Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
“Ngayon sa social media, kapag nakita sa SALN mo na meron kang P5 million, but because all of that were acquired in the 1970s to 80s, and you have a car or watch, they automatically think you’re corrupt.
On the other hand, if you say no to lifestyle checks, many will be
flaunting their wealth,” wika ng senador.
Binigyang diin rin ni Cayetano ang kahalagahan na mamuhay ng payak at umiwas sa marangyang buhay ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno. Sinabi niya
ito sa gitna ng mga maiinit na alegasyon ngayon ng korapsyon sa flood control at ghost projects.
Iginiit rin niya na dapat mapili ang isang matuwid at proactive na Ombudsman sa gitna ng mga pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na tugunan ang katiwalian.
“Napakahalaga na tama ang mapili nating Ombudsman. Given y’ung nangyayari ngayon sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), given y’ung perennial na nangyayari sa iba’t ibang departamento, having a very proactive but balanced Ombudsman will really change so much,” aniya.
Dagdag pa niya, malaking bagay ang pagpili sa susunod na Ombudsman dahil magiging kritikal ito sa pagbabalik ng tiwala ng publiko sa gobyerno.
“I think who the next Ombudsman is will determine whether people will totally lose confidence in any government official,” wika ng senador.
“If we have a good Ombudsman, I really believe na pwedeng bumalik ang tiwala ng tao sa public officials,” dagdag pa niya.
Muling inihain ni Senadora Loren Legarda ang isang panukalang batas na naglalayong ayusin ang kondisyon ng pagtatrabaho ng mga waste worker dahil sa kanilang mahalagang papel sa kalusugan ng taumbayan.
“Humaharap sa panganib ang ating mga waste worker sa kanilang araw-araw na trabahong pangongolekta ng ating mga basura,” wika ni Legarda.
“Marami rin sa kanila ang mababa ang suweldo, hindi tiyak ang kaligtasan, at nadi-discriminate dahil sa kanilang trabaho,” aniya.
Tatawaging pormal ang mga nagtatrabaho para sa pamahalaan, pribadong kumpanya, o kooperatiba; at impormal ang mga mangangalakal.
Magkakaroon ng GSIS o SSS coverage, hazard pay, at representasyon sa Solid Waste Management Board ang mga waste worker.
Sila rin ay bibigyan ng pagkakataong sumailalim sa libreng taunang medical exam, pati na ang pagbibigay sa kanila ng personal protective equipment, at mga bakuna.
Higit pa rito ay pa-ospital at regular check-up hatid ng health maintenance organization o HMO. Kasama rin ang physical, dental, mental health, at psychosocial examinations upang matutukan ang pisikal at mental na kalusugan ng waste workers.
Hindi dapat humigit sa walong oras ang kanilang trabaho, at ang sosobra rito ay babayaran ng overtime o ng holiday pay.
Aatasan ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na tiyaking maayos ang kondisyon ng mga waste worker, kabilang ang pagpapatupad ng security of tenure.
Ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang magbibigay ng social protection, samantala ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) naman ang magsisiguro ng tamang implementasyon ng Solid Waste Management Act.
Pag-aaccredit naman ang magiging tungkulin ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“Hindi masyadong napapansin ng waste management industry, ngunit mahalaga ito sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay. Ang ating mga waste worker ay nagtatrabaho araw-araw upang di kumalat ang sakit,” giit ni Legarda.
“Ang pagpasa ng panukalang ito ay isang pasasalamat sa mga nagtatrabaho ng ganito na marangal.”
Huli ang isang Provincial Level Most Wanted Person sa Cavite sa isinagawang operasyon ng pulisya kamakailan sa Imus City.
Ang akusadong si alyas Leo ay nahuli dakong alas-10:30 ng gabi sa Barangay Buhay na Tubig, Imus City, nitong Agosto 30.
Hinuli si Leo sa bisa ng warrant of arrest bunsod sa paglabag sa Section 28 (a) ng Republic Act 10591 na ipinalabas ng Presiding Judge ng RTC Branch 123, Imus City.
Isinagawa ang operasyon ng Warrant Section ng Imus Component City Police Station katuwang ang mga tauhan ng 401st A Maneuver Company RMFB4A.
Nabatid na ang akusado ay una ng nahatulan sa kasong paglabag sa Section 31 ng RA 10591 na may petsang Hulyo 2, 2025.
Nanawagan si Senadora Loren Legarda sa publiko na isalin ang mga patakarang pangkalikasan sa konkretong kilos pang-komunidad habang ipinagdiriwang ng bansa ang National Clean-up Month ngayong Setyembre sa bisa ng Proklamasyon Blg. 244 s. 1993, na sinamahan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 470 s. 2003 na itinalaga ang bawat ikatlong Sabado ng Setyembre bilang International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) Day sa Pilipinas.
“Bilang principal author at principal sponsor ng Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729), at bilang may-akda at pangunahing tagapagtaguyod ng Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), nakita ko na nagbubunga lamang ng tunay na pagbabago ang mga batas kapag tinanggap at isinabuhay ito ng mamamayan,” ani Legarda.
“Tumindig tayo sa hamon ngayong Setyembre. Ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan ay higit pa sa pagsunod; nangangailangan ito ng pagkakaisa, agarang pagkilos, at araw-araw na dedikasyon. Gawing simula ang sandaling ito para sa isang mas malinis at matatag na Pilipinas,” dagdag pa niya.
Binigyang-diin ni Legarda ang datos mula sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), na nagpapakita na ang Pilipinas ay nakakapagdulot ng humigit-kumulang 61,000 metrikong tonelada ng solid waste araw-araw, kung saan 12 hanggang 24 porsyento nito ay plastik. Sa karaniwan, bawat Pilipino ay kumokonsumo ng 20 kilo ng plastik kada taon, at 15.4 kilo dito ang nagiging basura. Dahil dito, nangunguna ang bansa sa mundo sa kontribusyon sa plastik sa karagatan, na umaabot sa halos 36 na porsyento ng pandaigdigang marine waste. Itinampok din niya na noong nakaraang taon, nakapaglinis ang ICC ng 352,479 kilo ng basura mula sa 250 lugar sa buong bansa sa loob lamang ng isang araw.
“Ito’y malinaw na bakas ng sugat,” babala ni Legarda. “Ang pagbaha at sapilitang paglikas ay hindi na isolated na pangyayari; sintomas ito ng baradong daluyan ng tubig, nasadsad na kagubatan, at mahabang taon ng maling pamamahala ng basura. Ang epekto ng polusyon at pagbabago ng klima ay hindi malayong bantang panghinaharap; nangyayari na ito ngayon at kumitil na ng buhay ng mga Pilipino.”
Upang tugunan ang mga hamong ito, muling inilahad ni Legarda ang panawagan para sa mas mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas pangkalikasan at malikhaing pagpaplano. Sa ika-20 Kongreso, naghain ang four-term senator ng Senate Bill No. 1250 para sa pagtatatag ng Environmental Protection and Enforcement Bureau (EPEB) sa ilalim ng DENR upang mapabuti ang kakayahan ng pamahalaan sa pagsubaybay sa paglabag ng mga batas, lalo na sa mga mapanganib na basura ng ospital at polusyong pang-industriya.
Naghain din siya ng SBN 1251, o ang Philippine Environmental Assessment System Act, na naglalayong i-modernisa ang pamamahala ng kalikasan sa bansa. Pinakikilala ng panukala ang tatlong mekanismo: Strategic Environmental Assessment para sa mga polisiya at programa, Environmental Impact Assessment para sa mga proyekto, at Health Impact Assessment na nakaayon sa Universal Health Care Act. Sama-samang naglalayong magkaroon ng mas maagap, siyensiyado, at pangkalusugang pananaw sa paggawa ng desisyon pangkalikasan ang mga repormang ito.
“Hindi sapat ang batas upang lutasin ang ating mga hamon sa kalikasan,” diin ni Legarda.
“Kailangan natin ng partisipasyon ng publiko, lokal na inobasyon, at tuloy-tuloy na pagkilos ng komunidad. Sa paggunita natin ng National Clean-up Month, ICC Day, o anumang inisyatibo para sa kamalayan sa kalikasan, hinihikayat ko ang aking mga kababayan na huwag ituring itong isang beses lamang na aktibidad kundi bilang mitsa para sa pangmatagalang pagbabago.”
“Ang mga batas pangkalikasan ay hindi lamang salita sa papel; ito’y kasangkapan para sa pagbabago. Palalimin natin ang ating paninindigan upang iugnay ang patakaran at gawain, hindi lamang ngayong Setyembre kundi araw-araw. Nagsisimula ang tunay na pagbabago kapag tinanggap natin bilang sarili ang mga batas na nilikha para sa ating proteksyon,” pagtatapos ni Legarda.
Isang makabuluhang hakbang patungo sa mas matatag na kinabukasan ang naabot ng panukalang batas ni Congresswoman Lani M. Revilla na naglalayong isama ang personal financial literacy sa curriculum ng mga technical-vocational institutions at TESDA training centers. Matapos ang masusing deliberasyon, inaprubahan ito ng Committee on Higher and Technical Education at nakatakdang isalang sa ikalawang pagbasa sa plenaryo ng Kongreso.
Sa pagdinig ng komite, napagkasunduan pang palawakin ang saklaw ng panukala. Bukod sa mga training centers ng TESDA, isasama na rin ang kurso sa lahat ng tertiary education institutions sa bansa. Layunin nitong bigyan ang mga estudyante ng kaalaman sa tamang paghawak ng pera, pag-iimpok, pamumuhunan, at pagpaplano para sa kanilang kinabukasan—mga kasanayang kritikal sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ngunit madalas na hindi bahagi ng tradisyunal na edukasyon.
Ayon kay Congresswoman Revilla, ang panukala ay tugon sa lumalalang hamon ng kawalan ng ipon, maling pamamahala ng kita, at kakulangan sa kaalaman sa pananalapi ng maraming Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng edukasyong nakaugat sa praktikal na pangangailangan, binibigyang-lakas ang mga kabataan at adult learners na maging mas responsable at maalam sa pagdedesisyon ukol sa pera.
Kapag naisabatas, inaasahang magiging bahagi ito ng mga repormang pang-edukasyon na nakatuon sa pagpapalawak ng oportunidad at pagbibigay-lakas sa bawat mamamayan. Hindi lamang ito magtuturo ng teknikal na kaalaman, kundi maghuhubog din ng mas matatag na pundasyon para sa personal na kaginhawahan at pambansang kaunlaran.
Ang panukalang ito ay bahagi ng mas malawak na adbokasiyang #AlagangAteLani, na patuloy na nagsusulong ng edukasyong may malasakit, praktikal na pakinabang, at pangmatagalang epekto sa buhay ng bawat SPilipino.