SENATOR Loren Legarda on Thursday emphasized that freedom is not just a commemoration of history, but a daily commitment to principles that uphold education, protect the environment, preserve culture, and ensure social equity.

Legarda advocated for an agenda focused on achieving independence from illiteracy and poverty.

“Tiniyak nating ang bawat batang Pilipino ay mabibigyan ng tamang alaga, nutrisyon, at edukasyon sa kanilang mga unang taon ng paghubog, panahon kung kailan nahuhulma ang pag-iisip, asal, at kakayahan ng isang bata, at kung kailan dapat nagsisimula ang pagkalinga ng estado,” she said, referring to the recently enacted Early Childhood Care and Development System Act.

She also expressed joy over the Senate’s approval on third reading of the proposed Career Progression and Development System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act.

“Layunin nitong bigyang-daan ang malinaw at makatarungang landas ng propesyonal na pag-unlad para sa ating mga guro na siyang gumagabay sa ating mga kabataan,” said Legarda, the bill’s author.

“Sapagkat ang dekalidad na edukasyon ay hindi lamang karapatan, ito ay sandigan ng ating kalayaan.”

Alongside her education advocacy, Legarda has also championed key environmental laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Climate Change Act, People’s Survival Fund, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.

She underscored that true independence also means celebrating and preserving Filipino culture.

“Mahalagang balik-balikan ang ating pinagmulan. Sa ating kasaysayan at kultura nakabaon ang ating kaluluwa. Hindi ito palamuti, kundi mismong pinagmumulan ng ating pagkakakilanlan,” she said.

Legarda has led the passage of vital cultural legislation such as the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law.

She has also backed initiatives promoting handwoven textiles, literature, traditional food, architecture, music, museums, and the preservation of Gabaldon school buildings, among others.