Senator Backs Climate Action for Earth Month 2025

Senator Loren Legarda reaffirmed her long-standing advocacy for environmental protection and climate action in observance of Earth Month this April, urging Filipinos to adopt sustainable practices amid the growing threats of global warming.

Legarda, a principal author of key environmental laws in the Philippines, stressed the urgency of tackling the worsening impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea level rise.

“This April, as we commemorate Earth Month and International Mother Earth Day, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to care for and protect our planet,” said Legarda.

“Every small action matters, and every choice we make today affects the future of our children and the generations to come,” she added.

This year’s Earth Month is aligned with the 2025 International Mother Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” which calls for unified global action and a swift transition to renewable energy.

Legarda highlighted the shift to clean electricity by 2030 as a critical target, emphasizing that the transition to sustainable energy sources is essential for long-term climate resilience.

Known as a legislative pioneer in environmental protection, Legarda authored landmark laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act No. 9003), the Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729), and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121).

These laws have shaped the country’s environmental framework and remain central to its strategies in addressing ecological degradation and climate vulnerabilities.

In light of the intense summer heat sweeping across many regions of the country, Legarda encouraged citizens to embrace energy-saving practices at home.

“This summer, we’re experiencing extreme heat with dangerously high heat indices, making us yearn for cooler, fresher air,” she said.

“Let’s help our planet breathe by choosing sustainable options — unplugging unused appliances and, when possible, shifting to solar-powered devices to save energy,” she added.

Recent data from PAGASA indicate that the country’s heat index in April has breached the 40°C danger threshold in several locations, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and energy demand.

Legarda’s call comes as the Philippines, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, braces for more intense climate impacts in the coming decades.

She continues to push for stronger environmental legislation and grassroots community engagement to promote sustainability in everyday life.

“Collective action is the key to securing a livable future,” Legarda said, reinforcing her appeal for citizens, government, and the private sector to work together toward ecological balance and climate resilience.