22-05-2025
Force of nature: Secretary Toni Loyzaga's bold vision for disaster preparedness
Despite the technological advancements the DENR has made, Loyzaga believes more work needs to be done. The issue of climate change is still polarising, with people minimising its impact. 'To those who don't believe climate change is real, you have to experience the tangible effects of it on different Filipino communities,' she insists. 'You have to see where rivers have changed course, where they've dried up, where people are drowning from overflowing waters. The people will tell you themselves that this has not happened before. It's essential to be immersed in these vulnerable communities at risk.
Whatever lies ahead, Loyzaga meets every challenge with humility and grace. 'There is complexity in every part of the process, from the root causes of each disaster to the feedback we get from the people on the ground,' she says. Maintaining a flexible yet thorough approach is key to navigating this demanding line of work. This applies not only to her career but also to her personal life. 'It's difficult to balance the two,' she admits. 'I've had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way. But I continuously communicate with my family and friends to strongly commit to my personal life.'
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