CCC, PCW team up to boost climate action for women

MANILA — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) have formalized a joint work plan to strengthen gender-responsive and inclusive climate action, placing gender balance at the center of climate governance.

The agreement was signed as part of the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week, underscoring both agencies’ commitment to advancing climate resilience by ensuring women’s leadership, perspectives, and capabilities shape national and local climate efforts.

Both the CCC and PCW emphasized the urgent need to close gender gaps in climate planning, implementation, and monitoring. They said inclusive and gender-balanced approaches are essential to enabling women to fully participate in decision-making processes and equitably benefit from climate programs.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje underscored the critical role of women in shaping effective climate policies and building resilient communities.

“Today, we recognize that truth—not by placing women on the margins of our frameworks, but by putting them at the center of our climate actions, policies, and investments,” Borje said.

The joint work plan aims to strengthen institutional commitment to gender-responsive initiatives, improve climate policy and governance systems, and integrate gender-based tools across all climate programs.

Among the key deliverables are nationwide consultations with strong women’s representation for the Gender Action Plan under the National Adaptation Plan and the Nationally Determined Contribution; the application of a gender lens in all climate initiatives from design to delivery; and institutionalizing the use of gender-responsive standards and tools across sectors.

Borje said the program’s impact will be reflected in everyday improvements in Filipinos’ lives.

“The true measure of this joint programme will be felt in the everyday lives of Filipinos—in safer communities, strengthened livelihoods, and more women empowered to shape climate action at the center of decision-making,” he said.

PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, represented by Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, echoed the importance of collaboration in achieving systemic impact.

“This partnership allows us to combine efforts, raise awareness, and inspire action more effectively than we could alone. Like twins, it reminds us that we are stronger and more effective when we move together toward a common goal,” Santos-Millar said.

Also present at the signing were CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera and PCW Deputy Executive Director for Management Services Macario Jusayan.

The CCC continues to work with national agencies and partners to promote inclusive, gender-responsive, and people-centered climate action that enhances resilience across all sectors.

For more information on the CCC’s climate initiatives, visit www.climate.gov.ph and facebook.com/CCCPhl.