Soft power for a planet at risk

Senator Loren Legarda emphasized that the strategic use of soft power — rooted in cultural identity, creative expression and ecological stewardship — enables the Philippines to influence the global stage, foster international collaboration and address pressing global challenges during her speech at the Department of Foreign Affair’s Foreign Policy Address.

“Our culture and environment are intertwined wellsprings of strength,” Legarda said. “Together, they form a power that transcends boundaries, builds connections, and influences the world — not through coercion but persuasion and attraction. This is soft power, and it rests on our cultural identity, creative expression and ecological stewardship.”

Legarda recounted her advocacies and initiatives in advancing the country’s cultural diplomacy, including the Philippines’ historic return to the Venice Biennale in 2015 after a 51-year absence, which she championed as the prime mover.

“Our reentry into the Venice Biennale redefined global engagement by centering on human stories and sparking collective action for positive change,” she said.

The senator also highlighted the Philippines’ forthcoming role as guest of honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest literary event. Legarda worked tirelessly to secure this prestigious participation, driven by a vision to elevate Filipino ingenuity and storytelling on the global stage.

“If other nations have carved their place on this prestigious stage, why not the Philippines? Why shouldn’t our luminous literary heritage be celebrated alongside the world’s greatest voices?” she shared, emphasizing her belief in the brilliance of the Filipino.

Legarda shared how the Philippines will showcase the richness of Filipino imagination under the theme,“The Imagination Peoples the Air,” inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal’s ideals of enlightenment and empowerment. She also reflected on her visit to Wilhelmsfeld, Germany, where Rizal stayed in 1886, and wrote the last chapters of Noli Me Tangere.