Women leading the way in disaster resilience in NWMC 2025

Senior Fire Officer 3 (SFO3) Daisy Leal-Cabauatan, recognized as the 2024 Philippine Resilience Awards (PRA) Champion for Women, underscored the critical role of women in disaster resilience during the kick-off of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC).

Cabauatan, Provincial Chief and Operations Program Director of the Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection, was among the inspiring figures highlighted by the Climate Change Commission (CCC) at the event. Her work in disaster response and community safety showcases how women’s leadership strengthens resilience efforts in the country.

She emphasized that women are often at the forefront of disaster response, leveraging their knowledge of local resources and community networks to protect lives during emergencies. She also stressed the need for equal participation in disaster management, calling for more leadership opportunities and mentorship programs for women in the field.

“When Juana is always prepared, the whole community is safer,” she said, encouraging women to take active roles in disaster preparedness and response.

The NWMC Kick-Off, organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares at SM Mall of Asia, gathered women leaders from various sectors. The event promoted gender equality and empowerment through service booths, livelihood support, and discussions on key issues, including climate resilience.

PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, in her presentation of the "State of the Filipino Women" report, highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives 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."

The celebration aligns with this year’s National Women’s Month theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” which envisions a future shaped by women’s leadership in various fields.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the invaluable contributions 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 said.

CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera echoed this sentiment, noting that women are not just first responders but also leaders in climate resilience initiatives.

"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 recognizes exceptional leadership in disaster resilience and climate action. It 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.