Manila, Jan. 12 -- As the Philippines observes National Zero Waste Month this January, Senator Loren Legarda stood firm in her call for a stronger national resolve to confront the country's mounting waste crisis, warning that the window to prevent irreversible harm to the environment and public health is rapidly closing.

In a news release, Legarda said that while awareness has grown and community initiatives have flourished, the scale of the challenge demands deeper reforms and collective action.

"Zero Waste initiative is a national imperative. We must move beyond awareness into stronger, decisive action. Every Filipino has a responsibility, and every institution must rise to the challenge of safeguarding our environment and future gene...