Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC), led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, met with New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh and representatives from UN Women Philippines to explore areas of cooperation to support inclusive and gender-responsive climate action.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recent courtesy call highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing climate resilience efforts that recognize the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable and marginalized communities, particularly women and other at-risk groups. 'Climate action must be inclusive, responsive, and people-centered. Strengthening gender-responsive approaches in climate policies and programs is essential to ensuring that no one is left behind in building resilient communities,' Borje said.
Affirming this, CCC Commissioner Rachel Herrera emphasized the importance of aligning the projects with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) localization and gender action plan. 'If the tools are developed in an inclusive manner, it will really reflect a response to the issues on the ground,' Herrera said.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening women's participation and leadership in climate governance, disaster risk reduction, and adaptation planning, while also ensuring that climate policies and programs respond to the needs of vulnerable communities. Among the initiatives discussed were ongoing efforts to mainstream gender in climate adaptation programs, support for the localization of the NAP, developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and collaboration on knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities for local government units and partner institutions.
UN Women, through their representatives Athena Dennise Galao, Regional Program Coordinator on Climate Change, and Jonas Gregory Perez, National Program Officer for Gender, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, shared its continuing support for initiatives that promote women's leadership and participation in climate and disaster risk reduction efforts. Meanwhile, the Embassy of New Zealand, through McIntosh, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting programs that strengthen resilience and inclusive development in the Philippines.
The CCC emphasized that collaborative efforts and sustained engagement with development partners remain vital to enhancing institutional capacities, strengthening policy support, and promoting climate action that is equitable and responsive to community needs. This engagement reflects the CCC's continuing commitment to fostering partnerships that advance climate resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable development in the country.
