The Climate Change Commission booth showcases the Philippine Resilience Awards.

PASAY CITY, 10 March 2025 – Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA) 2024 Champion for Women, Senior Fire Officer 3 (SFO3) Daisy Leal-Cabauatan, talked about the leadership role of women in building disaster-resilient communities at the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) Kick-Off Activity. 

Cabauatan’s experience as Provincial Chief and Operations Program Director of the Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection was among the inspiring stories of PRA champions showcased by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) at the NWMC, part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to recognize and support partners in building a more resilient Philippines.

She highlighted how women are often at the forefront of disaster response, using their knowledge of local resources and community networks to ensure safety during emergencies. She emphasized the importance of equal participation and leadership in disaster resilience efforts as part of adapting to climate change.

Cabauatan underscored the importance of mentorship and networking for women. She called for more leadership opportunities in the disaster management sector and encouraged women to continue leading the way in building resilient communities. “When Juana is always prepared, the whole community is safer,” she said.

The NWMC Kick-Off Activity, led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares, was attended by women leaders from various sectors, including government, business, and civil society. Held at the SM Mall of Asia, the event served as a platform for promoting gender equality and women empowerment through service booths, livelihood support, and lectures on various topics, including disaster resilience.

In her presentation of the "State of the Filipino Women" report, PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla emphasized the importance of gender equality in resilience efforts. 

"Climate change disasters do not sit down and negotiate; they do not choose who you are. They can strike whenever they want,” she said. “We cannot win against them, so our fight is about resilience. Let us teach our women and our communities how to strengthen resilience." 

This year’s theme for National Women’s Month, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” encapsulates the vision of a brighter future through women’s leadership and participation in nation-building.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje praised the active leadership of women in building climate resilience.

"Women have always played a key role in shaping the resilience of our communities. Their insights and actions in disaster response and climate adaptation are indispensable in building a better, more prepared nation," Borje emphasized.

Meanwhile, CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera said that women are not only the first responders in times of crisis, they are also at the forefront of climate resilience efforts. 

“By organizing the PRA as a kind of space where women can lead and innovate, we are helping build stronger, more adaptive communities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change," she said.

The Philippine Resilience Awards, which recognizes outstanding leadership in disaster resilience and climate action, is convened by the Climate Change Commission, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the National Resilience Council, SM Prime, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction.

For more information on the Philippine Resilience Awards, visit the PRA website and Facebook page.