Marking the 127th Independence Day at the historic Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga, Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday rallied Filipinos to redefine freedom as a daily commitment to protect the environment, uplift education, and preserve cultural identity.

“Sa kalayaan, kabilang ang pagprotekta sa kalikasan (In freedom, protection of the environment is included),” Legarda said in a news release, warning that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to disasters and climate change.

“Bawat bagyo at pagbaha ay paalala na bahagi ng ating laban para sa kalayaan ang pangangalaga sa kalikasang tahanan nating lahat (Every storm and flood is a reminder that part of our quest for independence include taking care of the environment where we live in),” she added.

Legarda has authored landmark environmental laws, including the Climate Change Act, Clean Air Act, and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

She also pushed for long-term early childhood care through the recently passed Early Childhood Care and Development System Act and the Senate-approved Career Progression System for Teachers.

“Ang dekalidad na edukasyon ay hindi lamang karapatan, ito ay sandigan ng ating kalayaan (Quality education is not just a right, it is the foundation of our freedom),” she said.

Legarda also underscored the importance of cultural heritage, referencing her authorship of the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law.

“Mahalagang balik-balikan ang ating pinagmulan. Sa ating kasaysayan at kultura nakabaon ang ating kaluluwa (It is important to look back on where we came from. Our soul is rooted in our history and culture). Our heritage is not mere ornament—it is the source of our identity,” she added. (PNA)