A 2024 Philippine Resilience Awards recipient from the ranks of firefighters has urged women to lead in building disaster-resilient communities.

Senior Fire Officer 3 (SFO3) Daisy Leal-Cabauatan, chief and operations program director of the Nueva Vizcaya Bureau of Fire Protection office, made the call during the kick-off ceremony for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) at the SM Mall of Asia on 4 to 6 March.

“When Juana is always prepared, the whole community is safer,” Cabauatan told attendees of the event.

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.

PCW chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla also 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,” Valdeavilla said. “We cannot win against them, so our fight is about resilience. Let us teach our women and our communities how to strengthen resilience.”

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.

The NWMC kick-off was led by the Philippine Commission on Women and SM Cares. In attendance were women leaders from various sectors, including government, business and civil society.