Senator Loren Legarda conferred with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong in a recent courtesy call, reinforcing shared priorities on climate resilience, digital integration, and regional energy cooperation. The meeting was part of her Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship itinerary.
Legarda, a longtime climate advocate and regional collaborator, emphasized the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change, while citing Singapore’s long-term resilience plan as a model for proactive planning.
“We want to learn from Singapore despite our different vulnerabilities,” the senator said, citing the Philippines’ large population and developing status compared to Singapore’s small, industrialized profile.
The four-term senator highlighted nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and mangrove rehabilitation, as a cost-effective approach for the Philippines, stressing their potential to generate investment through carbon credits. “Buyers will pay for these credits, and this creates an economic incentive to protect the environment,” she added.
The discussion also covered digital economy initiatives, including cross-border payments, which the senator supports as critical to advancing regional integration.
On energy cooperation, Legarda pointed to the Philippines’ vast renewable energy potential and the need to diversify sources to strengthen energy security. “We have abundant, largely undeveloped renewable energy resources, and we must diversify to avoid security risks associated with dependence on a single country,” Legarda said.
She committed to concrete action, pledging to raise the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the ASEAN group in charge so that it can be clear on the agenda. She then further emphasized the importance of aligning with ASEAN’s evolving priorities as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN in 2026.
