New scholars to lead climate, disaster risk solutions

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MANILA — The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and with the support of Senator Loren Legarda, has formally welcomed a new batch of scholars under the Sustainable Leadership Learning on Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction (SLL-CDRR) Scholarship Program.

At a recent signing ceremony, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of the scholars’ role in shaping climate and disaster resilience policies.

“Today, you accepted a profound responsibility. You are now the designated champions within your respective agencies. The knowledge and skills you will acquire are not for your benefit alone; they are a trust granted to you by the Filipino people,” Borje said.

Professor Erin L. Downey, Head of the Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management at AIM, echoed the sentiment, saying, “This is far more than just paperwork. It is a commitment to your country and to the generations to follow. We look forward to witnessing the impact you will make. Let the work begin.”

Now in its second year, the SLL-CDRR Program welcomes 28 new scholars into the 2026 cohort. The scholars are enrolled in two academic tracks: the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) and the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS).

Twenty-four of the scholars are pursuing the 18-month EMDRCM program, which focuses on equipping leaders with analytical methods, operational tools, and strategic systems to manage disasters and crises in diverse regional contexts.

Four scholars will take the 15-month MSDS program, deepening their expertise in data science to help create data-driven strategies that address climate and disaster-related challenges.

The scholars’ academic work will focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and will align with CCC policy priorities.

The first batch of SLL-CDRR scholars, who began their studies last year, is set to graduate in the coming days, marking another milestone in the program’s goal of developing capable and strategic climate leaders.

Borje congratulated the new cohort, calling them “true agents of change whose leadership will shape programs and policies addressing climate and disaster risks nationwide.”

The scholars come from national government agencies with mandates in climate and disaster risk management. Their participation is expected to enhance institutional capacities for planning, implementing, and scaling resilient and sustainable policies.

The program follows a rigorous selection process that includes review of candidates’ climate-related work, aptitude testing, and interviews. Gender balance is prioritized, with 50% of slots reserved for women.

Geographically, the 2026 cohort is highly diverse, representing regions CAR, II, III, IV, IV-A, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIII, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

The SLL-CDRR Program is a key component of the government’s strategy to build long-term, strategic human capital to address climate change and disaster risks across the country.

The CCC expressed its “deepest gratitude to Senator Legarda for her continued support in nurturing climate leaders and strengthening their capacity to build a more climate-resilient Philippines.”

For more information on CCC programs and activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph or follow facebook.com/CCCPhl