Legarda stresses cultural preservation's role in national development

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the strategic importance of cultural preservation for future national development during her keynote address at the Cultural Thoughts and Trajectories event on Monday, February 26.

Legarda urged recognition of heritage not just as a legacy but as a foundation for innovation, resilience, and economic growth, citing the Cordillera Rice Terraces as an example.

She has championed policies like the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law to inventory Filipino heritage comprehensively, while also promoting cultural diplomacy efforts that elevate the Philippines on the global stage.

Legarda's initiatives have translated heritage preservation into economic opportunities through community-driven programs and sustainable livelihood projects, highlighting the intersection of culture and climate action for resilience.

The event, organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), brought together policymakers, cultural leaders, and academics to discuss safeguarding Filipino identity in an era of rapid global change.