Loren Legarda is a prominent Filipino politician who has served multiple terms in the Senate of the Philippines. She is known as a champion of environmentalism and disaster risk reduction, authoring landmark laws like the Climate Change Act and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. But before climbing the political ladder, Loren Legarda pursued her college education and laid the foundations for her broadcast career.
Quick Facts About Loren Legarda’s Education
- Attended Assumption College for primary and secondary school
- Graduated as valedictorian from Assumption College
- Earned a Bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1981
- Majored in Broadcast Communications at UP Diliman
- Was President of the UP Broadcast Association
Who is Loren Legarda?
Loren Legarda is a veteran Filipino politician who served as a Senator of the Philippines for three non-consecutive terms from 1998 to 2004, 2007 to 2013, and again from 2013 to 2019. She hails from Malabon and is a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition party.
Legarda first ventured into politics in 1998 when she won a Senate seat under President Joseph Estrada’s administration. She built a reputation as an environmentalist and proponent of sustainable development with her “Luntiang Pilipinas” foundation. After losing her reelection bid in 2004, she returned to the Senate in 2007 and served another two consecutive terms.
Where Did Loren Legarda Go To College?
Loren Legarda spent her early education at Assumption College in Makati City and Antipolo. She attended Assumption from primary school through high school, graduating as the valedictorian of her batch.
For her tertiary education, Loren Legarda enrolled at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) in Quezon City. She pursued a degree in Broadcast Communications at the UP College of Mass Communication, graduating cum laude in 1981.
At UP Diliman, Legarda immersed herself in campus media and journalism. She became President of the UP Broadcast Association and contributed to various college publications like the Philippine Collegian. These experiences helped shape her communication skills and laid the foundations for her broadcasting career before entering politics.
Loren Legarda’s Achievements at UP Diliman
Loren Legarda excelled academically at UP Diliman, earning numerous honors and awards:
- Graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Communications
- Elected President of the UP Broadcast Association
- Recipient of the “Most Outstanding Graduate in Broadcast Communications” award
- Featured as honor student commencement speaker
As UP Broadcast Association President, Legarda organized conferences, workshops, and training programs for aspiring student broadcasters. She also managed the operations of the UP Broadcast Studio and pioneered educational programming.
These achievements exhibited Legarda’s leadership skills and passion for broadcast media early in her career. Her academic excellence and campus involvement at UP Diliman prepared her for future success in broadcasting and public service.
Legarda’s Career After College
After graduating cum laude from UP Diliman in 1981, Loren Legarda briefly taught at the UL School of Communications before jumping into broadcasting. She started as a reporter for Radio dzBB and later became a TV anchor and producer for GMA Network from 1982 to 1989.
Legarda made her first foray into politics in 1992 when she was appointed Director-General of the National Council for Culture and Arts. From 1993 to 1995, she served as the chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board under the Ramos administration.
In 1998, Loren Legarda made history as the youngest female senator elected at age 38. She never looked back from her political career since then, serving multiple terms in the Senate and championing environmentalism, disaster management, cultural heritage, and women’s rights.
Even with her success in politics, Legarda remains connected to UP as an alumna. She occasionally visits the campus to give talks and share her wisdom with current UP Diliman students.
Related Accomplishments of Loren Legarda
Prolific Lawmaking
As a senator, Loren Legarda authored landmark laws like the Climate Change Act, Anti-Violence Against Women Act, Cultural Heritage Act, and Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. She has passed over 100 laws on the environment, education, health, culture, and women empowerment.
Environmental Advocacy
Legarda is recognized as the leading environmental champion in the Philippine Senate. She founded the Luntiang Pilipinas Foundation to promote environmental preservation through grassroots projects.
Journalism Career
Before entering politics, Legarda had a successful career in broadcast journalism as a reporter and TV host. She was a pioneer of women empowerment in Philippine media.
Cultural Heritage Protection
Many of Legarda’s legislative initiatives focus on preserving Philippine indigenous arts, historical sites, intangible heritage, and cultural identity.
International Recognition
Legarda is the only Filipino parliamentarian to receive the UN Global Champion for Resilience award in 2019 for her advocacy in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Where to Follow Loren Legarda on Social Media
- Facebook – LorenLegardaPage
- Twitter – loren_legarda
- Instagram – loren_legarda
- YouTube – LorenLegarda
Frequently Asked Questions About Loren Legarda
What position does Loren Legarda currently hold?
Loren Legarda most recently served as a Senator of the Philippines from 2013 to 2019. Her third consecutive term as senator ended in June 2019.
What laws did Loren Legarda pass as a senator?
Some landmark laws authored by Loren Legarda include the Climate Change Act, Anti-Violence Against Women Act, Cultural Heritage Act, Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
What advocacy is Loren Legarda known for?
Loren Legarda is best known for championing environmentalism, disaster risk reduction, cultural heritage preservation, women’s rights, and sustainable development in the Philippines.
Is Loren Legarda running for office in 2022?
After her third Senate term ended in 2019, Loren Legarda has not announced plans to run for office in the 2022 elections as of writing. She continues environmental advocacy through the Luntiang Pilipinas Foundation.
What awards has Loren Legarda received?
Legarda has received numerous accolades like the UN Global Champion for Resilience award, UNEP Laureate award, Global Peace Award, Cultural Heritage Heroes award, and the UP Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.