Manila, June 12 -- Marking the 127th Independence Day at the historic Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga, Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday rallied Filipinos to redefine freedom as a daily commitment to protect the environment, uplift education, and preserve cultural identity.

"Sa kalayaan, kabilang ang pagprotekta sa kalikasan (In freedom, protection of the environment is included)," Legarda said in a news release, warning that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to disasters and climate change.

"Bawat bagyo at pagbaha ay paalala na bahagi ng ating laban para sa kalayaan ang pangangalaga sa kalikasang tahanan nating lahat (Every storm and flood is a reminder that part of our quest for independence include taking care of ...