Sustainable success: How CCC is shaping women-led climate action

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is ramping up efforts to integrate gender-responsive strategies into climate action, emphasizing the critical role of women-led enterprises in building resilience against climate change. In a recent workshop and networking event, discussions centered on equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the capacity to adapt to climate-related challenges.

CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera underscored the importance of the Nationally Determined Contribution Gender Action Plan (NDC GAP) as a framework for fostering inclusive approaches to achieving the country’s climate targets. The Philippines aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, and gender-inclusive policies are seen as key to reaching this goal.

She noted that traditionally male-dominated sectors such as agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy must open doors for women to thrive not just as workers but as leaders. "With livelihoods and infrastructure as key focus areas of NAP, MSMEs, which comprise 99% of businesses in the Philippines, need to be equipped with the capacity to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, technology, and adaptation measures," Herrera mentioned.

To bolster MSMEs' resilience, the CCC is advancing two key initiatives under the TRANSCEND Project in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and with support from the German Government. "The development of a Climate-Smart Industry Roadmap will guide MSMEs in enhancing energy efficiency and climate resilience," Herrera explained. Additionally, small-scale manufacturing and food processing enterprises will receive direct support to improve energy-efficient operations, complemented by policy support at the national level.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also reinforcing its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona of DTI’s Regional Operations Group highlighted the pivotal role of women in advancing sustainable businesses. "I stand with you to affirm the Department of Trade and Industry’s unwavering dedication to this cause, alongside the broader efforts of the Philippines to champion climate resilience," she said.

Women’s Business Council Philippines, Inc. (WomenBizPH) President Rhoda Castro-Caliwara emphasized how climate change affects the business sector, citing extreme weather events as significant disruptors of operations. She pointed out that the event fostered knowledge-sharing and collaboration to promote sustainability, empower women, and strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje reinforced the importance of such partnerships, stating, "Strengthening partnerships creates opportunities to put women at the center of climate action. This not only empowers women but also fosters a unified and collaborative approach to building a climate-resilient business sector."

Held under the theme "Kababaihan, Kalikasan, Kabuhayan – Building Climate-Resilient Livelihoods for Women," the event was organized by the DTI, WomenBizPH, and UN Women. Supported by the governments of New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland through the UN Women-led EmPower Program, the event gathered representatives from business and industry, national government agencies, and civil society groups advocating for gender equality, sustainability, and enterprise development.

With climate change posing a growing threat to businesses, particularly MSMEs, the integration of gender perspectives into climate policies and economic strategies is increasingly recognized as a necessity. The CCC and its partners remain steadfast in ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in climate action and resilient enterprise-building.