As a testament to the nation’s commitment to combating the climate crisis, the Climate Change Commission on Monday recognized exceptional women and youth climate champions through its Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA) 2024.

In his opening remarks at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the vital role of women and local communities in the global fight against climate change.

“Today, we celebrate the stories of resilience and leadership: tales that inspire and further strengthen our collective efforts to address the climate crisis,” he said.

This year’s PRA recognizes and supports the trailblazers who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in advancing climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and resilience building within their communities.

The PRA, now in its second year, highlights the important role of women and youth in local climate action.

Awardees in the Women and Youth categories each received PHP150,000 to further scale up their climate resilience initiatives through their organizations.

Borje said climate change is the governance challenge of the present generation.

“It is global, historic, and systemic affecting every nation, economy, and community. The impacts of climate change expose vulnerabilities deeply embedded in our society, particularly those that affect women—such as limited access to resources, education, and opportunities,” he said.

However, Borje stressed that amid these challenges, women serve as the strength, being at the heart of homes and communities.

He said women offer unique perspectives and solutions in facing the climate crisis, while their knowledge of managing natural resources and their active roles in building community resilience are indispensable to shaping the country’s climate strategies.

This year’s PRA awardees are seven outstanding individuals whose efforts in disaster resilience and climate adaptation have made a significant impact on their communities.

For the Women Category, awardees include Bacnotan, La Union Mayor Divina Fontanilla who implemented a successful lifesaving program.

Through training, community engagement, and partnerships, the program has achieved zero drowning incidents since 2020 and boosted local tourism.

The municipality was also recognized for its disaster resilience efforts.

Another awardee, Cecilia Quipayo, Board of Directors Member, CVT Agri Resilient Farmers Organization Incorporated (CARFI) in Barangay Cagbunga, Pamplona, Camarines Sur, led efforts to make agriculture more resilient to climate change.

Through Quipayo, the community adopted strategies like rice-fish integration, planting stress-tolerant crops, diversifying crops, using climate information services, and crop insurance, creating a model for climate-resilient agriculture that helped improve local livelihood.

Bureau of Fire Protection Provincial Chief for Operations/Program and Training Head in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, SFO3 Daisy Cabauatan, meanwhile led initiatives like the Kalikasan Warriors Project and Project APOY to promote environmental conservation, fire safety, and disaster resilience.

She also empowers youth through the River Conservation Club, fostering community sustainability and preparedness.

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer/Provincial Government Head of Agusan del Norte Erma Suyo helped empower women and youth through her Listong Kababayen-an initiative and “Listong DRRM” Family Course, which promotes disaster preparedness and community resilience.

Lastly, Ma. Thessa Ramos, Founder of the Eastern Visayas Society of Native Tree Conservation, Inc., and Youth for Resilience Network in Maasin, Leyte spearheaded reforestation efforts to combat environmental degradation and boost climate resilience through nurseries, school arboreta, and community partnerships with groups like the Badjao and Mamanwa, as she promotes native tree planting and biodiversity.

She was also recognized as a Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) Women Champion for Biodiversity for her work, which empowers communities and fosters sustainable environmental practices.

“These women’s lives resonate with the truth of Filipino resilience and innovation,” Borje said. “When women lead, communities prosper. Their leadership is essential in achieving the kind of climate action that can create lasting change.”

Meanwhile, two young people bagged the award under the youth category.

Edren Llanillo from Bugallon, Pangasinan, founder of Go Bike Project trained young volunteers in first aid, life support, and disaster response, which has eventually expanded to multiple barangays in Pangasinan, benefiting thousands of people.

These volunteers actively participate in community initiatives, such as health monitoring, literacy programs, and mental health support.

Christian John Evangelista, Chief of the Research and Planning Division of the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), initiated the MANILA Project to improve disaster risk reduction in the capital city.

The project involves installing weather stations and flood sensors, integrating data into a web-based platform, and collaborating with stakeholders.

By using GIS technology and IoT devices, the project provides real-time monitoring and early warning systems, enabling targeted disaster response and recovery efforts, such as pre-disaster risk assessments and efficient distribution of relief aid.

Borje urged the public to take the stories and lessons of each of the awardees to heart toward the climate-resilient Philippines. (PNA)