BY SALLY PEREZ
SATURDAY, January 28, 2023. That day marked another milestone in the life of an extraordinary woman, the choices she has made and the calling she has pursued.
There is no doubt. She is a woman of substance, literally and figuratively. She has her imperfections and human frailties (who isn’t in this temporal and hedonistic world), but as a public servant, she’s a league of her own, a primus inter pares serving and working for the Filipino people in the first branch of the government that is the microcosm encapsulating the most fundamental values of democracy and freedom mankind eternally seeks for…the institution of Congress. Her trailblazing feats and achievements are not the typical “run-of-the-mill” box- type success commonly and ordinarily attained by leaders and politicians.
Few people can ever claim to have made a huge impact on society – and even fewer can say that their claims are honest and true. Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda is one of the latter; among many titles, she is a seasoned legislator, human and IP rights advocate, peace builder, and environmental champion. She has worked tirelessly to represent children, women, indigenous peoples, small and local businesses, agriculture, and the environment since her election to the Senate in 1998 – a consummate advocate and politician.
Her participation in the peace talks with the Philippine Political Left was perhaps one of her most notable acts, leaving a bitter aftertaste in the mouths of her detractors. With her continued advocacy for social justice, Sen. Loren has also gathered quite a number of negative comments; yet even in the midst of criticism, she remains steadfast, tough, and positive. Such is her character and persona that continues to radiate positivity in the halls of Congress, and her advocacies resonating in the entire country and nation.
As a journalist and politician, her prowess has not gone unnoticed by the public. She is multi-awarded and recognized both locally and abroad. The causes and issues she fights for and dear to her heart have brought us honor as a nation. Just this January, she received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic; and as a testament to her never-dying passion for public service, instead of making her acceptance speech about herself, she committed to supporting programs ranging from arts and culture to trade and economy.
During the National Heroes’ Day commemoration of 2019, when she was Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative, Sen. Loren declared that “we can stand against the injustices in our country, too,” and that we should “stand for the rights of the poor, deprived, and oppressed, and fight for the rights of those who could not defend themselves because they have less in life”.
Indeed, as we face a society with ever-shifting values and ideologies, may we always remember Senator Loren’s example of true public service.
We wish a CHAMPION of social justice and environmental causes a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more years of service to the nation and the world./PN
