In a passionate address at the Cultural Thoughts and Trajectories event in Manila, Senator Loren Legarda championed cultural preservation as a pivotal force for national development. She emphasised the importance of viewing heritage not merely as a remnant of the past, but as a key driver for innovation, resilience, and economic growth, propelling Filipinos into a prosperous future.
“We cannot predict the world two thousand years from now, but the knowledge, traditions, and stories we preserve today will shape generations to come,” Legarda stated, highlighting culture’s role as a vital engine for sustaining livelihoods and strengthening national identity. She asserted that cultural heritage is not just decorative; it is essential in the global landscape.
As the chair of the Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, Legarda has actively promoted significant legislation such as the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law. These initiatives aimed to create a comprehensive inventory of Filipino heritage, showcasing how these legacies can provide economic opportunities through community engagement and sustainable crafts.
Legarda’s vision extends beyond local waters; she has paved the way for the Philippines to shine on international stages, from its return to the Venice Biennale to its esteemed presence at the upcoming Frankfurter Buchmesse. “Heritage is an asset. The hands that keep it alive […] must be equipped with the necessary support to sustain their craft as a viable profession,” she remarked, reinforcing her commitment to cultural advocacy.
In her dual role as the UNDRR Global Champion for Resilience, Legarda intertwined the themes of culture and climate action. She urged for the integration of indigenous wisdom in policies related to disaster risk reduction, coastal protection, and forest conservation, underscoring how the past can inform strategies for a sustainable future.
During her keynote speech in Manila, Senator Loren Legarda advocated for cultural preservation as a cornerstone of national development, urging recognition of heritage as vital for future growth. She cited initiatives to support such heritage through legislation and economic opportunities, while intertwining traditional wisdom with modern climate action strategies to forge a sustainable path forward for the Philippines.
Senator Loren Legarda’s address highlights the critical role of cultural preservation in driving national development and fostering economic opportunities. By recognising heritage as a dynamic force for innovation and resilience, Filipinos are encouraged to harness their rich traditions for a sustainable future. Her advocacy for indigenous knowledge as part of climate action further strengthens the call for a holistic approach to heritage in the face of modern challenges.
Original Source: www.pna.gov.ph
