Manila: The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) is set to infuse PHP45 million (USD780,000) into agriculture-related livelihood and climate resilience initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The initiative is expected to provide benefits to 28,000 individuals in the region, with a special focus on indigenous women.
According to Philippines News Agency, the projects, which will be carried out by the World Food Programme, aim to enhance the role and leadership of women in decision-making processes. Violeta Dominguez Acosta, head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, highlighted the importance of accelerating progress towards gender equality, noting that no nation has yet achieved this global goal. She emphasized the need to focus actions on indigenous women and their communities to effectively combat climate-related challenges.
A 2024 study conducted by the World Food Programme revealed that climate-related risks impede rural and indigenous women’s access to resources and decision-making processes, leading to decreased livelihood opportunities and increased poverty. In response, the project will provide training for these women in climate-resilient agriculture and leadership skills.
The AECID-funded initiative will also work on strengthening women cooperatives by connecting their agricultural output to stable markets. Additionally, it will promote social behavior changes aimed at improving local food and nutrition practices.
Regis Chapman, WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director, expressed gratitude to AECID for their significant contribution to enhancing resilience in BARMM. He emphasized the urgency of empowering women to better withstand climate-induced shocks, given the increasing frequency and severity of climate emergencies in the Philippines.
This initiative forms part of the World Food Programme’s ongoing support for the Philippines in bolstering resilience-building activities and reinforcing food and social protection systems.
