As the world gears up for Earth Day, Senator Loren Legarda reminds Filipinos that true stewardship of the planet should happen every day, not just once a year. This year’s theme, Our Power, Our Planet, echoes the need for collective action in speeding up the country’s shift to renewable energy.

• Legarda stressed that every Filipino plays a role in the energy transition, not just industry leaders.
• She emphasized the importance of community microgrids, highlighting that they bring not just power to homes, but also economic gains to businesses and lower bills for everyone.
• Legarda also underscored the need for cleaner energy, citing the numerous health benefits it provides, including lower emissions and reduced maternal complications linked to pollution.

The Collective Action for a Sustainable Future

“Cleaner energy means fewer emissions—and fewer lives lost to asthma, heart disease, and maternal complications linked to pollution,” said Legarda.

“Cleaner energy is not just a technological solution; it is a reflection of our values and our commitment to a better future. We must assert our right to clean air, lower costs, and a livable future. Community microgrids, local solar technologies, and green energy options are the keys to unlocking this vision,” she said.

The Power of Community Microgrids

Legarda highlighted the importance of community microgrids, saying that they bring not just power to homes, but also economic gains to businesses and lower bills for everyone.

The Role of Every Filipino in the Energy Transition

“The energy transition cannot be left to industry alone,” said Legarda. “Our energy transition must include every Filipino. When a household installs a solar panel, participates in net-metering, or when a business chooses the green energy option, it is not merely adopting a new technology—it is asserting its right to clean air, lower costs, and a livable future.”

The Importance of Policy Support

“Cleaner energy means fewer emissions—and fewer lives lost to asthma, heart disease, and maternal complications linked to pollution,” said Legarda.

• Legarda has authored key environmental laws including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Climate Change Act, and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
• These laws serve as foundations for the country’s climate resilience and environmental policies.

The Call to Action

“This Earth Day, I call on every Filipino to take part—at home, in the barangay, at work. Plant trees. Turn off what you don’t need. Choose LED lights. Explore solar technologies and local microgrids.