UN cites Iloilo as a model for women-led clean energy push

By Mariela Angella Oladive

United Nations officials and international partners have recognized Iloilo province as a model for women-led renewable energy and climate resilience programs, citing its gender-responsive clean energy initiatives as a possible template for other communities in the country.

The recognition came during a joint donor mission involving representatives from UN Women, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the government of New Zealand under the EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme being implemented in Iloilo.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. welcomed the delegation on May 26, which included New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office head Matija Kovac, UN Women portfolio lead Maria Holtzberg, and UNEP renewable energy program officer Parimita Mohanty.

The EmPower initiative integrates gender-responsive approaches into the Iloilo Province Renewable Energy Plan to expand women’s participation in clean energy programs, green industries, and local decision-making.

During the meeting, Defensor highlighted women’s participation in environmental initiatives such as Limpyo Iloilo and presented climate adaptation programs, including the Purok Resilience Program in Batad.

He also raised the need for long-term solutions for renewable energy waste, particularly the disposal of aging solar panels.

He promoted technologies that support both agriculture and clean energy generation.

Provincial measures such as the Iloilo Provincial Renewable Energy Ordinance, or I-PORE, and the Iloilo Climate Adaptation and Resilience Enhancement, or I-CARE, framework were also presented as part of the province’s climate and environmental agenda.

Holtzberg said Iloilo’s renewable energy policies demonstrate how climate programs can strengthen women’s resilience and economic participation.

“It is the success of advancing the renewable energy policy framework that allows women in communities impacted by the climate crisis to build resilience and strengthen their economic resilience,” Holtzberg said.

Kovac commended the province’s leadership and said Iloilo’s programs could serve as models for other local governments facing climate-related challenges.

“We really admired your leadership. What we want more of in the UN system is more cities and provinces like Iloilo,” Kovac said.

Mohanty described Iloilo as among the model provinces in the country for renewable energy and climate action initiatives.

The delegation was also scheduled to visit women beneficiaries in Maasin and Zarraga who adopted solar-powered technologies for livelihood activities, which officials cited as examples of community-based climate resilience initiatives.