By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, Jan. 12 (PNA) – Sen. Loren Legarda is hoping Pope Francis will tackle climate change and the ongoing peace process in Mindanao during his four-day Apostolic Visit to the Philippines.
“I look forward to the statements of Pope Francis about climate change and how it affects the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of society,” Legarda said in a press statement on Monday.
Legarda, an environmentalist, noted that the Pope has been very vocal about the need for man to act against environmental degradation and climate change.
”The Pope’s visit to the Philippines, especially in Tacloban which was greatly devastated by super typhoon Haiyan, signifies not only his concern for Filipinos and the survivors of the typhoon but also his stance on climate change and humanity’s role in protecting the environment,” she said.
She said the Pope is expected to issue an encyclical on climate change after his visit to the Philippines.
”Pope Francis understands that the poorest citizens of the world are the most vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation,” Legarda said.
”I hope this will be among his messages to the Filipinos so that we would be more mindful of our environment by respecting our environmental laws, veering away from a consumptive lifestyle, and working towards sustainability and resilience,” she added.
The lady senator also expressed optimism that the Pope’s visit will help advance the attainment of peace and stability in the country, especially in Mindanao.
“We all know how much Pope Francis values peace and inter-religious friendship. He actively promotes respect and solidarity among men and women of different religions and traditions as he believes that all of us are children of God,” she stressed.
Legarda said she will continue to support the government’s programs for the Bangsamoro people.
The Senate is currently conducting public hearings on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will serve as legal basis for the establishment of a new Bangsamoro political entity in Mindanao. (PNA)