By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet meeting room, policy makers and gender seen as two separate worlds came together with one shared concern: how climate change continues to affect women, families, and communities in different ways. As floods, droughts, and stronger storms hit the country, the discussion focused on making sure no one is left behind.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Miriam College–Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI) recently held a strategic alignment session to strengthen their partnership on the Nationally Determined Contributions Gender Action Plan, or NDC GAP. The meeting aimed to ensure that gender equality is fully integrated into the Philippines’ climate policies and actions.
The NDC GAP supports the country’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, which guides how nations reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. In the Philippines, where women often manage households, farms, and small businesses, climate risks can have a heavier impact on their daily lives. The CCC said gender-responsive planning helps address these realities more effectively.
During the session, CCC and MC-WAGI representatives discussed how climate action and gender equity are closely linked. Women, especially in rural and coastal areas, are often among the most affected by climate change due to limited access to resources, land ownership, and decision-making roles. At the same time, women play a key role in food security, water management, and community resilience.
Participants reviewed ongoing efforts and identified gaps in current climate programs. They emphasized the need to strengthen gender mainstreaming in climate governance, from national policy-making down to local government implementation. This includes collecting gender-disaggregated data, supporting women-led climate initiatives, and ensuring women’s voices are heard in planning and decision-making.
MC-WAGI shared its expertise in gender studies, research, and advocacy, offering tools and frameworks that can help climate programs become more inclusive. The institute stressed that gender equality is not a side issue, but a core part of sustainable development. When women are empowered, communities recover faster from disasters and adapt better to long-term climate changes.
The CCC highlighted that aligning climate action with gender goals also supports the country’s commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality, Goal 13 on Climate Action, and Goal 17 on Partnerships. Strong cooperation between government and academic institutions is seen as crucial to achieving these targets.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed on strategic pathways and planned activities to move the partnership forward. These include capacity-building programs, joint research, and policy support to help national and local agencies apply gender-responsive approaches in climate planning.
Officials said the alignment session is a step toward more inclusive climate solutions that reflect the real experiences of Filipinos on the ground. For farmers facing drought, mothers protecting their families during floods, and workers rebuilding after disasters, policies that consider gender differences can make a meaningful difference.
As climate threats continue to grow, the CCC and MC-WAGI stressed that building a resilient future requires inclusive thinking. Addressing climate change is not only about protecting the environment, but also about promoting fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for all.
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