MANILA — Now in its fourth year, the Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA) 2026 recognized women and youth climate leaders for their exceptional work in strengthening community climate resilience.
Two young climate champions were recognized in the Youth Category: James Nathaniel Refugio, founder of Bicolano Young Leaders Initiatives, was recognized for the Bicolano Young Leaders Program, which equips young people with leadership skills and practical tools for climate action, environmental protection, and disaster resilience.
Ervie Ann C. Conte was honored for the Paglajag Program, which promotes environmental conservation, literacy, nutrition, and sustainable livelihood in the last mile island communities in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
Five women climate champions were recognized in the Women Category: Deborah C. Dacanay, head of the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office, was recognized for advancing disability-inclusive disaster preparedness and climate resilience through inclusive planning and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Dr. Angelina P. Galang of Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment, and Sustainable Economy was honored for Ako ang Bukas, an initiative that promotes ecological sustainability and climate awareness.
Marife M. Mustacisa of Samar State University was recognized for LETs CARE–AGHAM, which strengthens climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries, food security, and livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities.
Rebecca A. Ynares, former governor of Rizal, was honored for the YES Program, a provincial initiative that integrates environmental management, waste reduction, greening, and disaster risk reduction.
Mylene A. Rivera of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development was recognized for the PLANADO Program, which advances risk-informed land use planning and climate-resilient settlements through digital tools and improved local governance.
Beyond recognizing outstanding initiatives, the PRA provides a platform called “Community of Practice” (CoP) to highlight community-driven solutions and connect resilience champions with the support they need to strengthen their work.
The PRA also launched the Philippine Resilience Awards Compendium 2023-2025, including the Video Documentaries of selected PRA Resilience Champions. The PRA Digital Hub, which serves as a repository of the stories of PRA Awardees, advocacy efforts, and other relevant resources, was launched together with the Compendium. The Digital Hub is accessible through the PRA website.
“Through the Digital Hub, stakeholders can explore the work of our Resilience Champions, access relevant resources, and gain a better understanding of the different ways resilience is being advanced across the Philippines,” said CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera.
This commitment to sustaining community-led resilience was further affirmed through the renewal of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) among the PRA convenors.
Senator Loren Legarda, who initiated the PRA, underscored the importance of continuing to support women and youth climate champions and strengthening their capacity to expand their initiatives.
“The renewal of this MOA reaffirms our collective commitment to recognize and elevate the indispensable contributions of women and youth on the frontlines of climate action, while strengthening their capacities to sustain and scale their work,” Legarda said.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the importance of recognizing these efforts and learning from the experiences of communities on the frontlines of climate change.
“The Philippine Resilience Awards matters because it recognizes people who make resilience practical in their communities. Our role as convenors is to listen, learn, and build stronger ways to connect their experiences with the support their communities need,” Borje said.
Among those making significant contributions to community resilience are young people who translate their knowledge into practical solutions for climate and disaster risks.
Commissioner Herrera highlighted how their initiatives demonstrate the value of turning knowledge into action.
“These are stories of hope, showing how young trailblazers turned academic knowledge into practical solutions, from hazard maps to environmental monitoring systems, to help communities confront climate challenges,” Herrera said.
The resilience champions, Herrera said, are “people who chose to confront the challenges before them and build solutions.”
“In a world rapidly being reshaped by climate change, these are the stories we need to remember,” she added.
The event gathered institutional partners and members of the PRA network, including Mr. Silvestre Barrameda, Jr., Executive Director of the National Resilience Council; Engr. Liza B. Silerio, Vice President of SM Prime and ARISE Philippines; Retired Vice Admiral Alexander Pama of ARISE Philippines; and Dr. Ma. Teresita Pastor-Medado of WINDRR Philippines.
Initiated by Senator Legarda, the Philippine Resilience Awards is a multi-stakeholder program of the Climate Change Commission in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women, National Resilience Council, SM Prime, Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction, and ARISE Philippines. All awardees will receive continued support to expand and strengthen their resilience initiatives nationwide.
Philippine Information Agency, PR
