Legarda eyes climate action integration in PH defense strategy

Senator Loren Legarda envisions a transformation of the Philippines' defense strategy, integrating climate action with national security and expanding the humanitarian functions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

As the new chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation, Legarda aims to embed climate resilience into security reforms.

She believes national security encompasses safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the future, advocating for a defense force that protects and empowers.

Legarda has consistently promoted a wider understanding of national security, moving beyond conventional military strength to include environmental stability.

She proposes that the AFP should transition into a more proactive humanitarian force, adept at responding to climate-related disasters and aiding vulnerable populations.

Legarda previously authored a book that frames the AFP as a humanitarian actor and developed the AFP Resilience Scorecard and Toolkit to evaluate disaster preparedness and climate adaptation in military operations.