Sen. Loren, Brillante collaborate for Ligtas

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda and Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza have once again teamed up to create an instructional documentary film titled Ligtas.

Just like their previous collaboration, Buhos, which was released in 2010, Ligtas is geared towards promoting environmental awareness. While Buhos centered on explaining climate change so that more Filipinos could understand the causes and effects of the phenomenon, Ligtas takes an even more urgent and pragmatic tone as it tackles the longstanding issue of disaster preparedness.

Legarda notes that the number of injuries or casualties during a calamity comes as the result of people’s failure to follow precautionary measures, and a general lack of preparedness and awareness of the hazards in their areas.

The instructional documentary tackles the required survival kits and the precautionary measures to be taken by families and residents during natural calamities like typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis.

It also highlights the importance of protecting and caring for the environment in order to minimize the occurrence of such calamities. Legarda notes the importance of man’s role in preserving and protecting the environment — and mankind as a result.

“Ang instructional documentary na ito ay isang maliit ngunit mahalagang bahagi ng isang malawak na usapin tungkol sa tamang paraan ng pagharap at paghahanda sa mga kalamidad na hatid ng biglaang pabagu-bago ng panahon,” Legarda said.

Mendoza, for his part, said his understanding of climate change was deepened by his experience of making the film, and his collaboration with Legarda.

“Humahanga ako kay Senator Loren dahil consistent ang pagtulong niya sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan at sa mga vulnerable na komunidad,” added the acclaimed director.

Legarda has been at the forefront of protecting the environment, authoring numerous laws on climate change adaptation and disaster risk preparedness and spearheading initiatives to bring disaster risk reduction awareness to Filipino communities. She has led in the distribution of geo-hazard maps to inform people on the natural dangers in their areas and how to prepare for them during calamities.

With Ligtas, both Legarda and Mendoza demonstrate that the challenges are far from over — but the Philippines can be well-prepared to meet them.