Legarda cites key legislative milestones in 2024

MANILA – As the Philippines enters 2025, Senator Loren Legarda looks back on a year marked by significant legislative and diplomatic achievements aimed at strengthening the Filipino spirit and enhancing the nation’s global standing.

Despite challenges, 2024 was a year of resilience, collaboration, and progress toward a brighter future for all Filipinos, according to Legarda in a statement on Thursday.
Legarda helped push through several important legislative victories, including the passage of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act, and the Bacoor Assembly of 1898 Act.

In addition, the Senate approved the Blue Economy bill and the Aklan Piña bill, marking key steps in advancing environmental sustainability and preserving cultural heritage.

“As we move into the new year, we remain focused on alleviating poverty, expanding access to education and healthcare, and creating jobs. These goals are essential for building a more inclusive and prosperous nation,” Legarda said.

Legarda had likewise played a role in facilitating high-level visits, including that of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the French Senate’s Interparliamentary Friendship Group for France-Southeast Asia.

She was also awarded the “Officier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur” by the French government, adding to her previous recognition as Chevalier of the Legion of Honor in 2016.

Legarda also celebrated the Philippines’ cultural accomplishments, with Filipino artists showcased at the 60th Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition.

She is now preparing for the Philippines’ role as the Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.

The lady senator also advanced initiatives such as supporting the French Embassy’s Blue Nations Initiative and preparing the Philippines for the upcoming UN Oceans Conference in France.

Legarda also advocated for the country’s ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty to protect ocean ecosystems.

She continued to focus on disaster resilience through the launch of the Sustainable Leadership Learning for Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction scholarship program.

She also promoted gender equality, supporting the “Filipina Changemakers” documentary and forum, which highlighted women’s critical role in climate resilience.

At the International Conference for Women, Peace, and Security, she emphasized the importance of gender-responsive budgeting and the role of technology in shaping future policies.

Looking ahead, Legarda called for collective action in 2025.

“Let this year be a time for meaningful change. Every action, no matter how small, brings us closer to the Philippines we all aspire to,” she said. (PNA)

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