Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) honored exceptional women and youth leaders advancing local climate action during the 2025 Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA) on Monday in Manila. In his speech, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of community-grounded leadership in building national resilience, stating that “the true test of resilience is not how often we rebuild, but how rarely we are broken.”
According to Philippines News Agency, Borje described the honorees as central to the country’s climate response, highlighting their roles as micro-entrepreneurs, scientists, custodians of traditional knowledge, and community organizers. He emphasized that women and youth are not merely participants but are at the heart of climate action. Borje called for a proactive approach to protection and urged the expansion of community-driven innovations, stressing that isolated “islands of success” are insufficient for an archipelagic nation facing escalating climate threats.
Among the women awardees were Dr. Diana Rose Cajipe for “Buong Bansa Handa,” Jenelyn Salimbagat for her Family Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Plan, and Renebelita Fuentebella for “Damit Dignidad Pilipinas.” Five youth champions were also recognized: Raymart Garcia for the Reskyusi Food Basket Program, Shri Tahanie Macaumbao for Green by Design, Val Amiel Vestil for “Kwentong Kalikasan,” Peter John Enorio for his Subang Environmental Initiatives, and Christian Hernandez for Project MOSES.
Borje underscored that resilience is built on science, purpose, planning, and action-not sentiment-and affirmed the CCC’s commitment to scaling successful community models nationwide. He acknowledged the pain of experiencing losses and damages but insisted on transforming into a more resilient state by continuing efforts beyond individual communities.
Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the need for climate resilience to be both systemic and community-rooted, urging the CCC to combine national reforms with on-the-ground capacity building. She advocated for establishing a roving climate change academy during the awards ceremony.
Legarda cited recent disasters, such as Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoons Nando and Uwan, as examples of national policies falling short when information and preparedness fail to reach vulnerable communities. She stressed that resilience should not be seasonal or limited to typhoon periods but consistently practiced throughout the year. The senator highlighted the importance of simplifying information and ensuring that people understand government policies, urging local governments to integrate resilience into their core development agenda.
Legarda also called for the restoration of wetlands and the protection of both declared and yet-to-be-declared protected areas. She emphasized improving early warning systems to ensure alerts are understandable and actionable for all, noting that technical or language barriers often hinder effective communication during disasters. Concluding her remarks, Legarda stated that systemic climate resilience requires stronger ecosystems, effective law enforcement, and informed citizens. “If people die because information never reaches them, then that is a systemic failure,” she said, urging officials to engage directly with communities, simplify messaging, and amend policies where gaps exist.
