The Climate Change Commission, led by Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje, convened the agreement signing for the 2026 cohort scholars in the Sustainable Leadership Learning on Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction program.
 

MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC), in support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, continues its partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to strengthen the capacity of climate leaders through the Sustainable Leadership Learning on Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction (SLL-CDRR) Scholarship Program.

A signing ceremony was recently held for the new cohort of scholars, marking more than a formal agreement.

“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,” said Robert E.A. Borje, Vice Chairperson and Executive Director of the CCC.

Supporting this message, Professor Erin L. Downey, Head of the Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management at AIM, emphasized, “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.”

This marks the second year of the SLL-CDRR Program, which now welcomes the 2026 cohort. A total of 28 scholars were accepted, divided into two tracks: the Executive Masters in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) and the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS).

Under the EMDRCM program, 24 scholars will undertake an 18-month program focusing on management approaches to disasters and crises in the Asian region. The curriculum includes analytical methods, operational tools, and strategic systems that guide leaders in disaster risk and crisis management across different contexts and scales.

Meanwhile, four scholars will pursue the 15-month MSDS program, deepening their expertise in data science and its role in formulating data-driven strategies to address real-world challenges, including those related to climate change and disaster risks.

The scholars are expected to specialize in climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), producing academic outputs aligned with the CCC’s policy priorities.

The program’s first batch, which started last year, is set to graduate in the coming days, further showcasing the program’s continued success in developing capable climate and disaster resilience leaders.

Meanwhile, Borje extended his warmest congratulations to the 2025 cohort, noting that they are true agents of change whose leadership will shape programs and policies addressing climate and disaster risks nationwide.

The SLL-CDRR scholars come from national government agencies with mandates related to climate change and disaster risk reduction. Their participation strengthens the government capacity to plan, implement, and scale policies and programs that address climate and disaster risks.

The students undergo a rigorous selection process that includes evaluation of their climate-related work, aptitude tests, and interviews. In line with this, the selection of scholars ensures gender balance, with 50 percent of slots specifically allocated for women.

Furthermore, the scholars come from a wide range of regions, including CAR, Regions II, III, IV, IV-A, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIII, and NCR, ensuring diverse geographic representation across the country.

Through the SLL-CDRR Program, the government aims to build strategic human capital in pursuit of its mandates on climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk reduction and management, contributing to a Philippines that is more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable.

The CCC extends 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 the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.