Senator Loren Legarda is calling for stronger government preparations against climate-related health threats, warning that extreme heat, flooding and air pollution are putting more lives at risk.
Her call came after the 2026 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report, released on October 28, recorded an estimated 710,000 heat-related deaths worldwide in 2023, with more than 70% attributed to human-caused climate change.
“Akala ng iba na ang climate change ay environmental issue lamang – hindi. Matagal ko nang sinasabing ang pagbabago ng klima ay usapin din ng kalusugan at buhay. May mga sakit na nakukuha dahil sa matinding pagbaha – nariyan ang leptospirosis at dengue. Gayundin, kapag sobrang init, lumalala rin ang panganib ng mga komplikasyon sa altapresyon at heatstroke,” Legarda said.
The report also estimated that air pollution from fossil fuels contributes to approximately 2.73 million deaths worldwide each year.
Legarda said the Philippines must also prepare for the effects of a strong to very strong El Niño, which the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned could extend into the first half of 2027.
The senator recently filed Senate Resolution No. 733 to review government preparations and funding for the expected Super El Niño. She also introduced a 10-point action plan covering water and food security, protection against extreme heat, and health services for vulnerable communities.
“Sa isang Super El Niño, unang naaapektuhan ang ating mga magsasaka, manggagawa, at mga pamilyang hirap na sa pang-araw-araw. Kaya dapat ngayon pa lang, tiyaking may sapat na tubig, pagkain, at serbisyong pangkalusugan ang ating mga komunidad,” she said.
Legarda also called for the full implementation of existing climate and disaster preparedness laws, including the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the People’s Survival Fund Act.
“Dapat handa ang ating mga health center, may maagang babala, at may sapat na suporta ang mga komunidad. Hindi natin kailangang hintaying mas marami pang magkasakit o mawalan ng buhay bago kumilos,” Legarda said.IMT
