LEGION OF HONOR. French Ambassador Marie Fontanel (left) presents the title of Officier dans l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur to Senator Loren Legarda at the Ambassador’s residence on Sept. 19, 2023. The French government conferred the title to Legarda for her strongest advocate in raising awareness on climate change. (Photo courtesy of Office of Sen. Loren Legarda)
MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has congratulated Senator Loren Legarda for obtaining the prestigious title of Officier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur conferred by the French government.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said the conferment of the Legion of Honor title to Legarda is a recognition not only of her tireless work in diplomacy and culture but, more importantly, her relentless commitment to championing climate action and resilience.
"Her leadership in advancing key transformative climate, sustainable, and environmental legislation has helped position the Philippines as a global climate leader," Borje said in a news release on Monday.
France Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontaniel presented the Legion of Honor Award to Legarda in a ceremony at the Ambassador’s residence on Sept. 19.
“You are the strongest advocate in raising awareness on climate change and the protection of our planet. Your commitment is a longstanding one. You understood the importance of protecting our environment before many others, no doubt because you know the consequences of climate change here in your own country,” Fontanel said.
In her acceptance speech, Legarda emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the Philippines and France in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change.
She recalled key milestones in this partnership, including the 2015 Manila Call to Action for Climate Change and the joint efforts to protect at least 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030 under the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People.
“Over the years, my collaborations with France have been grounded in a deep respect for our shared values, particularly in cultural diplomacy and the fight for climate justice. I always consider cultural diplomacy as the Philippines’ fourth pillar of foreign policy, a key that opens doors to political and economic initiatives,” Legarda said.
The Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur is France's highest distinction, awarded for outstanding service.
In 2016, the French government also bestowed upon Legarda the title of Chevalier dans l'Ordre de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight in the French National Order of the Legion of Honor). (PR)
