Filipino women play vital roles in the fight against climate change and building resilient communities. Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of ecological protection and sustainability, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said during her keynote speech at the “Filipina Changemakers: Champion for Climate Resilience Forum” at the Senate building in Pasay City on Monday.
They won in last year’s Philippine Resilience Awards for their works in sustainable forest management and resilient food systems, respectively. Collado is the president of the Macatumbalen Community Based Forest and Coastal Management Association while Bongalbal heads the Joroan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association. “Both are proof that gender is not a barrier to leadership and that women have a unique perspective to offer,” Legarda said.