Legarda Elated Over Success of Best School Forest Park Program, Urges All Schools to Create Forest Parks

MANILA, January 11, 2012-A day after awarding the winners of the nationwide search for the Best School Forest Park, Senator Loren Legarda encouraged other schools and learning institutions to create their own forest parks as their contribution to environmental protection.

Legarda is happy with the success of the program, part of her vision in founding Luntiang Pilipinas in 1998 to make urban communities and the entire country greener and safer. 

“I laud all the schools that joined this program because their participation is proof of their desire to help young people better appreciate trees and the environment in general. I encourage all other schools, including private universities and learning institutions, to create forest parks within their schools and in their communities,” she said.

“I congratulate all the finalists led by the grand winner, the Cauayan City National High School, because not only did they plant trees but they also successfully complied with the criteria—sustainability, creativity and aesthetics, number of trees or seedlings planted based on size of site, and community involvement in planning and supervision of the park,” she added.

Legarda said that Luntiang Pilipinas, which she founded, has drawn partnerships with various government agencies, private businesses, schools and universities, and non-government organizations in its aim to create more forest parks in the country while educating the youth on environmental protection. She thanked the Department of Education, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture for joining hands with Luntiang Pilipinas to make the program a success.

“Luntiang Pilipinas firmly stands at the forefront of the crusade for environmental protection and preservation, especially with the devastating effects of climate change. I urge every Filipino to help mitigate the threats of global warming to our health, security and life by caring for the environment,” Legarda concluded

500 DELEGATES EXPECTED IN MANILA ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE

Manila is poised to welcome almost 500 delegates from 78 countries across the globe as it hosts one of the largest and most significant events in the worldwide movement against corruption.

The 5th Global Conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) will be held in the Philippine International Convention Center from January 30 to February 2, 2013. The Philippine Senate and GOPAC’s regional arm, the Southeast Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC), are co-hosting the event.

To date, a total of 492 members of parliament and non-governmental organizations have registered for the said conference, including members of Philippine Congress.

“The fact that GOPAC chose Manila as the venue for the upcoming Global Conference is a strong vote of confidence for the anti-corruption efforts of the country and the current administration,” said Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chairperson of SEAPAC and of the Manila Steering Committee.

“This is an opportunity for us to showcase to the rest of the world that we are intent on cleaning up our government. It will also allow us to learn from each other’s best practices in the fight against corruption.”

           

Delegates will be coming from near and far to attend the much-anticipated event in Manila, 65 of whom are from other SEAPAC member-countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The rest will be coming from as far as the United States, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Europe.

“The Philippine government is ready and able to match the commitment of these lawmakers who are travelling thousands of miles just to attend this important gathering. The Manila Conference is the product of the collective effort of several government agencies who share the GOPAC vision of a progressive, corruption-free world.” said Angara.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police and the Metro Manila Development Authority are some of the agencies of government involved in GOPAC Manila 2013. President Benigno S. Aquino III will be the Keynote Speaker at the event. 

Legarda Lauds DBM’s P8.1 Allocation for Flood Control

MANILA, January 9, 2013Senator Loren Legarda today lauded the Department of Budget and Management’s allocation of P8.1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and the Department of Agriculture – National Irrigation Authority (DA-NIA) for flood-control and water resource management projects.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, urged the said institutions to immediately and effectively implement these disaster preparedness programs.

“Flooding has been the perennial problem in the Philippines, and with the growth of our cities, the problem is only becoming worse. There is a great need for continuous implementation of flood control projects such as drainage protection works along national roads and bridges, drainage improvement and watershed projects, as well as estero clean-up drives. We must make sure that projects especially for flood control are appropriately designed and efficiently carried out as soon as possible to avoid death and destruction in times of incessant rains” she explained.

“Efforts to improve our irrigation systems are important as well because we want the Philippines to become self-sufficient in rice production as soon as possible,” she remarked.

“Our call for an increased budget for disaster preparedness and agricultural improvement has been heard. Let us make sure that all the agencies involved carry out their mandates especially now that we are experiencing one typhoon after the next. There is no room for us to waste time and resources,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Distributes Geohazard Maps in ComVal

Senator Loren Legarda discusses the details of a geohazard map with Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy and 1^st District Rep. Ma. Carmen Zamora during the turnover of geohazard maps for municipalities of Compostela Valley at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan. Looking on are 2^nd District Rep. Rommel Amatong and other local officials of the province. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, visited the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, which were greatly affected by Typhoon Pablo, and distributed geohazard maps to LGUs in the two provinces.

KIKO: PNP MUST STEP UP TO ENSURE PEACE AND ORDER, SECURE PHL'S POSITIVE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

MANILA, January 8, 2013-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan says that the Philippine National Police will need to intensify its efforts in keeping the peace and maintaining order in the country so as not to spoil the economic gains that have defined most of 2012 and the start of 2013.

"Heto nang umaarangkada na ang bansa at talagang gumaganda na ang ekonomiya, at heto na naman tayo na sinasalubong ng mga nakakabahalang balita ukol sa kriminalidad," Pangilinan points out. "We are being eyed by foreign investors and tourists alike, and all the government's efforts will be for naught if we are unable to address these alarming cases of gun-toting elements gone wild."

Separate shooting incidents in Cavite and Quezon, and the death of a seven-year old from a stray bullet, have been reported at the start of the new year. The shooting in Quezon has revealed details that could incriminate police personnel and a possible violation of engagement protocols.

"The last thing we need right now is for the public to feel unsafe outside their homes, and for our police to be mired in yet another controversy. Our economic gains will mean nothing if we can't maintain peace and order in the country. We will all need to work together to make progress happen, and we will need a PNP that is resolute in its efforts to maintain peace and order in a country that is on the verge of making great breakthroughs in the Southeast Asian Region. Key to economic progress is a modernized criminal justice system, and critical in this modrnization is a professional police organization," the lawmaker reiterated.

Legarda, DepEd to Announce Winners of ‘Best School Forest Park’

MANILA, January 8, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today announced that the Department of Education (DepEd) and her Luntiang Pilipinas foundation have selected the winners of the “Best School Forest Park” Program and will award them in a formal ceremony at the DepEd’s  Bulwagan ng Karunungan on January 10.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and founder of Luntiang Pilipinas, said that they will announce the 16 regional winners, from which the five national finalists were chosen.

“The Luntiang Pilipinas is relentless in its efforts to encourage tree-growing activities in all parts of the country and promote awareness on the importance of trees in making our environment lively and safe. I thank the DepEd for partnering with Luntiang Pilipinas in the Best School Forest Park program, which is a very good opportunity to engage a younger audience in environmental protection,” she explained.

The Senator said that all 16 regional winners will be awarded 20 computer units to create a computer laboratory in their respective schools. The five national finalists will be given trophies and the national winner will receive a plaque and Php 1,200,000 for a new school building.

The winners were judged based on the sustainability of the forest park, creativity and aesthetics, the number of trees or seedlings planted based on size of site, and community involvement in planning and supervision of the forest park.

“I hope that even after we have awarded the winners, all schools in the country will continue to nurture their forest parks. May this program also inspire private learning institutions to create their own forest parks,” Legarda stressed.

“Trees are essential and crucial to our survival, especially during these times when inundation, flood, drought and pollution have alternately caused harm and danger to our communities. We must educate our children about the importance of trees, and in doing so inculcate in them the love for our environment,” Legarda concluded.

Observe Cleanliness During Feast of the Black Nazarene - Legarda

MANILA, January 28, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda reminded devotees of the Black Nazarene to maintain cleanliness during the parade expected to be attended by millions tomorrow in the Quiapo Church area.

“The Feast of the Black Nazarene is a very important day for many Filipinos, especially for the devotees. But every year as this religious occasion is held, tons of garbage are left behind. I would like to remind everyone to show their respect to the Black Nazarene by first and foremost keeping our streets clean before, during, and after the parade,” she said.

Legarda noted that according to the Metro Parkway Cleanup Group of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), at least 1,000 sacks of garbage were collected after the parade last year.

“I would also like to stress the importance of safety and security for all the devotees. Let us take great pains in order to ensure that no one is injured or killed, that crimes like pickpocketing are avoided, and that there will be no vehicular accidents. Proper precautions should be taken by the authorities as well as the devotees themselves,” she stressed.

“The Feast of the Black Nazarene is auspicious because it celebrates the enshrinement of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church. As we reflect upon the sufferings of Christ and find clarity and meaning in our lives through Him, let us also show compassion towards our fellow Filipinos and the environment,” she concluded.

Legarda Starts Distribution of Geohazard Maps in ComVal, Davao Oriental

MANILA, January 7, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today kicked-off the distribution of geohazard maps to municipalities in the country during her visit to the Province of Compostela Valley.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, started the distribution of the maps with the formal turnover to the local officials of Compostela Valley, led by Governor Arturo Uy. She will also distribute geohazard maps to local government officials of Davao Oriental, led by Governor Cora Malanyaon, on January 8.

“Our local officials need to have the valuable, life-saving information regarding risks present in their communities, all of which can be found in the geohazard maps. Many of the disasters that occurred in the country could have been avoided if our LGUs and all our citizens had knowledge of the risks they face. These maps show where it is safe and unsafe to reside or to build infrastructure,” she explained.

Legarda said that she will also distribute geohazard maps in other provinces in the country, but stressed that local officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should thoroughly brief local government officials to ensure that the maps are understood and used properly.

“Our leaders and our citizens have the right to know if they are living in landslide or flood-prone areas, even before any typhoon signals are raised. With the knowledge of the risks present in our communities and with early warning signals at least seven days before any typhoon arrives, we should be able to radically minimize the casualties and damages when a natural hazard strikes,” she stressed.

“No local official—governor, mayor, or barangay captain, will put their constituents at risk by relocating them to danger zones. Disasters should not happen before we begin to take action. We should arm our local government officials with the right tools to ensure that our nation is always prepared for disasters,” Legarda concluded.

Only Those in Police Uniform Should Carry Firearms – Legarda

MANILA, January 6, 2012-In light of the tragic gun-related incidents at the start of 2013, Senator Loren Legarda said that as part of much-needed gun control reforms, only those in police or military uniform should be allowed to carry firearms.

“It is high time that we enact bold and encompassing gun control reforms in this country. Let us heighten monitoring, ensure that there are no loose firearms, and impose stricter punishment on those who violate our rules and regulations. Furthermore, we must  seriously look into revoking permits to carry firearms issued to civilians,” she stressed.

The Senator earlier expressed her deepest condolences to the family of Stephanie Nicole Ella, the very young girl who was a victim of irresponsible gun firing last New Year’s Eve.

“Based on initial reports by the Philippine National Police, Nicole was only one of 40 people hit by stray bullets during the first hours of 2013. It is disheartening because not even one person should have been injured or killed through such senseless acts,” she noted.

“Let us all take the time to reflect on the recent trends of violence that have plagued not only the Philippines, but other countries as well. Aspiring for a gunless society is a step towards achieving genuine peace, and we must all do our part in making this happen,” Legarda concluded.

Trillanes pushes for pay raise for gov’t doctors

MANILA, January 5, 2012-Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV is seeking to increase the salary scale and provide additional benefits to doctors employed by government in a bid to stem the steady exodus of Filipino physicians overseas to seek high-paying jobs.

“Senate Bill No. 319 seeks to address this alarming outflow of doctors and its repercussions by increasing the salary of government physicians and providing additional incentives,” said Trillanes, chairman of the Senate Committee on Civil Service and Government Reorganization.

His proposal, he added, “also aims to afford our government doctors the right to a decent pay and benefits long withheld from them.”

At present, the basic salary of public doctors in local government hospitals is pegged at grade 16 or about P26,878 a month, while doctors conferred by Department of Health (DOH) is pegged at grade 21 or P39,493.

“This does not do justice to our hardworking doctors who have spent years in their studies and whose duties go beyond the normal eight-hour workload.”

With this, Trillanes wanted to adjust the minimum base pay of physicians working in government to not lower than salary grade 27 or P62,670.

Trillanes said this situation has prompted doctors to flee to greener pastures, making the Philippine the second-largest exporter of physicians next to India as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Consequently, the exodus of doctors in the last five years is exacting a toll on the country’s already second-rate health service. The ratio of doctor vis-à-vis patients in the Philippines is one doctor per 28,493 patients, a far cry from the ideal 1:1000 ratio prescribed by the WHO,” Trillanes pointed out.

In his proposed measure, Trillanes is also pushing for an annual loyalty pay equivalent to P50,000 to public doctors who have rendered at least three consecutive years of service.

The legislation likewise provides for transportation allowance of P10,000 to P18,000 depending on the municipality, food allowance from P5,000 to P12,000 and medical allowance ranging from P5,000 to P10,000 per month.

In addition, Trillanes seeks to provide educational grant not exceeding P200,000 for government physicians who have rendered at least five years of continuous service.

Legarda Condemns Human Rights Violations Against Media, Environmental Advocates

MANILA, January 5, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda condemned the reported human rights violations against members of the media and environmental advocates that have plagued the country for years.

“Since 2001, according to a report of Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), 56 environmental advocates have been killed. This number includes the murders of forest guard Elpidio “Jojo” Malinao, Italian missionary Fr. Fausto Tenorio, Dr. Gerry Ortega, Leonard Co, and Willem Geertman, and Gilbert Paborada. As we welcomed the New Year, Alfredo Almueda, Quirino province community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO), was killed when he responded to a tip that a truckload of illegal lumber will be transported out of his area,” Legarda noted.

“On the other hand, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that 73 journalists have been confirmed killed due to work-related causes in the Philippines since 1992. It is highly alarming that these human rights violations continue to befall such hardworking individuals who offer so much of their lives to society,” she said.

Legarda has been pushing for the passage of a bill to qualify the killing of members of broadcast and print media in the performance of their duties as a crime of murder. The bill is presently pending second reading at the Senate.

The Senator, a former journalist and staunch environmentalist, expressed her greatest sympathies towards the families of the murdered journalists, media practitioners, and environmental advocates, noting that they should be honored for their undeterred dedication to their work.

“The numerous cases of journalists and media practitioners killed in the line of duty have tarnished our country’s state of press freedom, supposedly one of the freest in the world. Meanwhile, forest protection and forest law enforcement in the country have almost become a 'mission impossible' considering the daunting limitations that impede the actions and undermine the morale of our forest law officers. They are our partners in aspiring for a better society, and they must be given due protection,” Legarda concluded.

Support my brother Mayor Arthur for Governor-Sen. Angara

BALER, Aurora, January 4, 2012-Senator Edgardo J. Angara yesterday said that he is confident in endorsing his younger brother Baler Mayor Arthur J. Angara to run for governatorial bid in the province due to his 18 years of service as an effective administrator as Mayor in this town.

In a brief interview, the veteran law maker said that Arthur was six (6) terms Mayor since 1992 up to this time; ensuring that he is convinced in the performance of his brother as his substitute and believing Arthur will win as governor.

“I love my province and I am sure that through my brother, Aurora will still be in good and safe hands for the best development, besides Arthur is the head of the Mayor’s League in this province, a model family and father, an achiever and outstanding Mayor,” the Senator said.

In explaining his withdrawal from the gubernatorial race in this province, the Senator said that his international commitments with the Centrist Democrat International (CDI) – an alliance of ruling parties in Europe and Latin America who promote Christian democracy; the Canadian Institute's Anti-Corruption Compliance Conference (ACCC) – an international group focused on anti-corruption measures; and the Angara Center for Law and Economics made him reached his decision for withdrawal.

The senator said he was elected as vice president for Asia Pacific of CDI, which will be holding its next executive meeting in Manila this year.

He also said that the ACCC has asked him to take over after it holds its Manila conference this January and is scheduled to sponsor the Anti-Corruption Conference of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption.

“My international commitments were the reasons why I decided to withdraw in running as governor and it would be discriminating to the people of Aurora if I won and I will not be able to stay in our province due to my international commitments. Siguradong matatali ako ng husto pagkapanalo ko at kailangan ko ding matulungan ang anak kong si Sonny Angara,” Angara emphasized.

“I will be substituted by Mayor Angara, the head of the Mayor’s League in Aurora who has been, I think an outstanding mayor of Baler and he is an achiever and I am positive he will get elected as governor and I can support Aurora including, as well as the country through this international organization and my work here in Manila, I think I will do a better job of providing the back-up support to the people of Aurora,” he added.

Angara's second term as senator will end this year and he will no longer be qualified for re-election. His son, Aurora Rep. Sonny Angara, will instead be running for a Senate seat this 2013 poll. (Jason de Asis) 

On the extension of the CPP ceasefire

MANILA, January 3, 2012-The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared a re-extension of the ceasefire to January 15, 2013. The government welcomes this change of heart from their earlier position. This gives our soldiers and members of the CPP-NPA-NDF more time with their loved ones, which becomes difficult in times of conflict.

As agreed upon by representatives of both the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at The Hague, Netherlands, the ceasefire would last from December 20, 2012 to January 15, 2013. Despite unilateral statements to the contrary, the government is fully committed to honoring this ceasefire—a clear indication of our sincerity and determination to maintain peace and stability.

In the months ahead, we look forward to resuming a respectful and fruitful dialogue with the CPP-NPA-NDF, with the vision of fostering a true and lasting peace in the Philippines.

PANGILINAN: FR. REUTER A "BRIGHT LIGHT" FOR CHILD RIGHTS ADVOCATES

MANILA, January 3, 2012-Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan lamented the passing of Fr. James Reuter, SJ, a well-loved Jesuit priest, communicator, and advocate, who had stood up for the rights of the marginalized the oppressed throughout his rich, nine-decade life.

Fr. Reuter died of lung and heart failure on December 31, 2012. He was 96.

According to Pangilinan, "Fr. Reuter was a bright light that shone for the rights of children and the marginalized. He was instrumental in bringing together child rights advocates to reform our justice system and bring restorative justice to our children and minors."

"Like us, he believed that children and minors should not be in the same prison cells as hardened criminals, and he believed in the power of community to restore and reform those who had lost their way."

In 2006, Pangilinan and the community of child rights advocates pushed for the passage of Republic Act 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, which sought to offer different intervention programs for children in conflict with the law (CICL) as opposed to putting them in the same prison cells as hardened criminals. The law has been hailed by the international community as a "landmark" piece of legislation that put the Philippines at par with other progressive nations.

"In his life and work, Fr. Reuter showed how much he loved us Filipinos--and how much he loved people, in general. He had a deep respect for humanity, and had inspired generations of Filipino families through his openness, his generosity of spirit, and his passion to serve. His legacy lives among those of us who wish to carry on his mission. He is a true treasure of the Philippines who will be sorely missed," Pangilinan concludes.

Legarda Warns of Less Rice with Continued Rise in Global Temperature

MANILA, January 3, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today warned that Filipinos need to take aggressive and immediate action to adapt to the changing climate and prevent further rise in global temperature or prepare themselves for meals with no rice at all.

“Filipinos are rice-loving citizens because that’s our staple food and we find it harder to resist eating rice than any other kind of food. Fastfood chains and restaurants even offer unlimited rice to their customers, while some of our citizens can live with almost any dish as long as they pair it with rice,” Legarda said.

“The sad fact however, is that our rice production is greatly affected by the warming climate. If we want to continue enjoying eating rice with our dishes, we have to do something to address the risks brought by climate change and the threat of further rise in global temperature,” said Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change.

Legarda said that as President Aquino has declared 2013 as National Year of Rice, the government’s efforts to achieve rice sufficiency should include programs that would address the agriculture sector’s vulnerability to the changing climate.

The Senator noted a 2009 study by the Asian Development Bank that rice yield in the Philippines can decline by 75% in 2100 with the lack of climate change adaptation programs.

Legarda said that such scenario is not impossible because typhoons, floods and droughts from 1970 to 1990 resulted in an 82.4% loss in total Philippine rice production.

Moreover, the El Niño-related drought from 1990 to 2003 is estimated to have caused US$ 370 million in damages to agriculture.

“The unusual weather patterns we have been experiencing are bringing about a decrease in production of rice and several essential crops and with the absence of robust adaptation strategies, climate change will further imperil our food security,” she stressed.

Legarda said that the past two typhoons have already brought massive damages to agriculture. Typhoon Pablo caused P26.5-billion worth of damages in agriculture, while current estimates on agricultural damage caused by Typhoon Quinta is at P146.8-million.

“We are faced with a lot of things to do for the agricultural sector alone. For areas affected by recent disasters, we need to fast-track the recovery of the agriculture sector to maintain our food supply and avert escalation of prices of basic commodities. We also need to adopt measures that would address the vulnerability of this sector to the impact of climate change,” she explained.

She said that the country’s agricultural adaptation program must ensure more investments in agricultural research and infrastructure, improved water governance and land use policies, better forecasting tools and early warning systems, a strengthened extension system that will assist farmers to achieve economic diversification, and access to credit and crop insurance to make significant improvements in the country’s food security goals.

“We must not wait for the World Bank prediction of a 4 Degrees Celsius temperature to happen before we begin to act, because by that time, it will already be too late. We have to adapt to the changing climate and double our efforts in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as well as in urging other nations, especially the industrialized countries, to do the same,” she stressed.

“Policies on climate change adaptation are crucial to alleviate the impact of weather disturbances on the agriculture sector, not only to continue having rice in our tables, but more importantly to enhance food self-sufficiency and alleviate poverty,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Denounces Murder of Environment Officer

MANILA, January 2, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda denounced in strongest possible terms the murder of a community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) in Nagtipunan, Quirino shortly after midnight on January 1.

“According to reports, forester Alfredo Almueda was gunned down when he responded to a tip that a truckload of illegal lumber will be transported out of his area of responsibility in Quirino province. This is a disheartening act of cowardice, and those responsible must be made to answer for their actions. Furthermore, I call on local governments, especially in provinces plagued by rampant illegal logging, to heighten their efforts in ensuring the security of our hardworking environment officers,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and founder of Luntiang Pilipinas, underscored the link between illegal logging to disasters caused by natural hazards in the country.

“We know that the disaster in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in 2011 was related to the massive illegal logging operations that exacerbated the effect of typhoon Sendong. Thus, protecting our forests and wetlands in order to enhance the capacity of the environment to withstand extreme weather disturbances is a must across the country,” she stressed.

“We need to examine our weakness in governance, especially our poor implementation of our environmental laws and the persistence of illegal logging. The forces that threaten our people and the development of our country must be met with resolute dedication and sustainable solutions. Strong political will at the national and local levels can help bring about the big change we want to see,” Legarda concluded.

Thy Womb is Creative and Fearless; Deserves All its Awards - Legarda

MANILA, January 1, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda hailed Brillante Mendoza’s latest film “Thy Womb” as a creative and fearless contribution to Filipino filmmaking, and added that it deserved the seven awards it garnered at the recently concluded Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Brillante Mendoza won Best Production Design and Best Director, while Odyssey Flores won Best Cinematography, Henry Burgos won Best Original Story, and Nora Aunor won Best Actress for “Thy Womb”. The film also won the Gender Sensitivity Special Award for the Mainstream category, and the Gatpuno Villegas Award.

“The Senate earlier recognized the independent filmmaker Brillante Mendoza through Senate Resolution 871 for winning both the La Navicella Venezia Cinema Award of the critics’ circle Journal of Cinema, and the P. Nazareno Taddei Award Special Mention at the 69th Venice International Film Festival,” Legarda explained.

She noted that in late November, he was also awarded Best Director Award at the 2012 Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) in Brisbane, Australia.

“These awards bring to the fore the immense talent of Filipino filmmakers as a whole,” she remarked.

“Thy Womb” was released in 2012 and stars Aunor, Bembol Roco, Lovi Poe, and Mercedes Cabral. Aunor also won numerous recognitions, including the Best Actress Award at the 2012 Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

“I highly recommend Thy Womb as it explores the intricacies of rural life largely through the eyes of a Badjao midwife, thereby revealing new facets of the plight of Filipino indigenous peoples,” she stressed.

“Mendoza tackles heavy subject matter that our society needs to pay attention to, and does his part in encouraging other filmmakers to push the boundaries of art and storytelling,” Legarda concluded.