SENATOR Loren Legarda is set to be conferred an Officer rank in the French Republic’s prestigious Order of the Legion of Honour. She was previously conferred the award as a Knight. It needed a consent from the Philippine Senate for her to receive the award.
Thus, on September 11, 2024, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 22, allowing the senator to accept the conferment.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is the highest recognition awarded by France, celebrating individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to causes aligned with the French Republic’s ideals.
Legarda has spent decades crafting policies that safeguard the environment while simultaneously advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Her leadership as the United Nations Global Champion for Resilience and her tenure as a lawmaker in the Philippines reflect her far-reaching influence in promoting environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and cultural preservation.
The conferment is a powerful acknowledgment of the immense contributions of “Tita Ganda”—as she is fondly called by her colleagues in the Senate—not only to Philippine society but also to global causes as a tireless advocate for the environment and champion for climate action.
Her pro-environment credentials rival the most respected leaders in the world. She has been recognized by the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and now, the French Republic once again, as a torchbearer for policies that ensure the survival of our planet and its inhabitants.
In a time when the climate crisis continues to reshape economies, ecosystems, and livelihoods, the recognition of leaders like Legarda serves as a beacon of hope. The Philippines, an archipelago highly vulnerable to natural disasters and the effects of climate change, benefits directly from the work she champions. Her legislative initiatives have undoubtedly steered the country toward greater climate resilience, but her global influence extends far beyond our shores.
The senator’s achievement is a source of national pride, a signal that Philippine leadership in environmental advocacy is acknowledged on the world stage.
Congratulations, Senator Loren Legarda!
