Senator Loren Legarda called on governments, institutions, and communities to confront the country’s climate and energy challenges through stronger environmental action, as the Philippines marks Earth Month this April and prepares to observe Earth Day on April 22.

She warned that the ongoing global energy crisis, driven by volatile fuel markets, supply constraints, and geopolitical tensions, is worsening household burdens, sending electricity and transport costs soaring, and in turn driving up food and commodity prices.

“When the cost of energy rises, everything else follows, from what we eat to how we live. This is why protecting the environment is no longer separate from protecting our economy and people,” Legarda said.

The global theme for Earth Month, “Our Power, Our Planet,” underscores the role of every sector in shaping a sustainable future. Legarda emphasized that the Philippines must respond to rising energy costs and climate-related disasters with solutions that protect both the environment and the economy.

“Earth Month is about more than clean energy. It is our broader responsibility to protect ecosystems, safeguard communities, and ensure resilience in the face of environmental challenges. We need a whole-of-nation response,” Legarda said.

The four-term senator pointed to landmark measures she has long championed, including the Clean Air Act of 1999, the Clean Water Act of 2004, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Climate Change Act of 2009, the People’s Survival Fund Act of 2012, the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act. These laws continue to guide the country’s response to environmental risks and opportunities.

“We must protect the planet that sustains us. Clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are rights that must be safeguarded for all Filipinos. Kapag nasisira ang ating kalikasan, ang unang naaapektuhan ay ang pamilyang Pilipino,” Legarda said.

“Every effort, whether in policy or in community action, must bring us closer to a Philippines that thrives in balance with nature. The crisis we face today is also an opportunity to build a future that is safer and more sustainable,” Legarda said.

Legarda emphasized that the country’s participation in initiatives such as Earth Hour shows the power of collective action. More importantly, she added, Earth Month is a chance to reflect on the country’s progress and renew its commitment to solutions.

Legarda underscored the importance of nature-based solutions such as mangrove reforestation to protect coastal communities, watershed rehabilitation to secure water supply, and urban greening to reduce heat and improve air quality. These initiatives, she said, prove that working with nature is one of the most effective ways to confront the climate and energy crises.

As the nation observes Earth Month this April, Legarda reaffirmed her commitment to advancing policies that safeguard the environment, promote renewable energy, and strengthen resilience against climate change, while ensuring that communities remain at the heart of sustainable development.