Representative Javier Miguel Benitez of Negros Occidental met with climate experts and artists this week to advocate for a “whole-of-society” approach to climate justice, proposing a strategy that merges scientific data with the creative industries.
During a visit to the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute-Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (UP RI-NOAH), Benitez engaged in discussions on how to better communicate disaster risks to the public.
The talks focused on using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, and creative storytelling to make complex scientific data more accessible.
Benitez met with UP RI-NOAH director Mahar Lagmay, UP College of Fine Arts Dean Toym Imao, and former UP Film Institute director Rob Rownd. The group explored using global platforms like Netflix to shape public awareness of community resilience.
“The exchange highlighted how the arts and creative sectors can help bridge the gap between science, public understanding, and community resilience,” Lagmay said in a social media post following the meeting.
A central part of Benitez’s legislative agenda is House Bill No. 2577, which seeks to convert the UP Resilience Institute into the UP National Climate Resilience Institute. While the current institute provides evidence-based strategies, it lacks direct fiscal support from the national budget and permanent staffing.
The proposed measure would grant the body “National Institute” status, ensuring direct appropriations under the General Appropriations Act and establishing permanent research positions. It would also create a centralized Resilience Knowledge Platform to serve as a public repository for disaster data.
The visit comes as the Philippines remains ranked as one of the most at-risk countries globally for climate-related disasters. Benitez is also a co-author of House Bill No. 4420, the Climate Accountability (CLIMA) Act, which aims to establish corporate and state accountability for greenhouse gas emissions to protect vulnerable communities.