Now in its fourth year, the Philippines Resilience Awards (PRA) continues to recognize individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment are driving meaningful action toward more resilient communities.

This year, the PRA honored two youth leaders under the Youth Category and five women climate champions under the Women Category, recognizing their outstanding contributions to disaster resilience, climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Youth Category

• James Nathaniel Refugio, founder of Bicolano Young Leaders Initiatives, was recognized for the Bicolano Young Leaders Program, which equips young people with leadership skills and practical tools for climate action, environmental protection, and disaster resilience.
• Ervie Ann C. Conte was honored for the Paglajag Program, which promotes environmental conservation, literacy, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods in last-mile island communities in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

Women Category

Five women climate champions were recognized for their transformative initiatives:

• Deborah C. Dacanay, head of the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office, for advancing disability-inclusive disaster preparedness and climate resilience through inclusive planning and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
• Dr. Angelina P. Galang of Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy, for Ako ang Bukas, an initiative promoting ecological sustainability and climate awareness.
• Marife M. Mustacisa of Samar State University, for LETs CARE–AGHAM, which strengthens climate-resilient agriculture, fisheries, food security, and livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities.
• Rebecca A. Ynares, former governor of Rizal, for the YES Program, a provincial initiative integrating environmental management, waste reduction, greening, and disaster risk reduction.
• Mylene A. Rivera of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, for the PLANADO Program, which advances risk-informed land use planning and climate-resilient settlements through digital tools and improved local governance.

The PRA is led by the Climate Change Commission, Office of Senator Loren Legarda, SM Prime, Philippine Commission on Women, Women’s International Network on Disaster Risk Reduction, ARISE Philippines, and the National Resilience Council (NRC).

Beyond recognition, all awardees will receive continued support to expand and strengthen their respective resilience initiatives, helping bring their impact to more communities nationwide.

As we move forward, the NRC remains committed to recognizing, empowering, and supporting women and young leaders who are at the forefront of resilience-building. Their leadership reminds us that building resilient communities is a shared responsibility—and that meaningful change happens when every sector and generation has the opportunity to lead.

Together, let us champion women and youth as catalysts of a safer, more inclusive, and more resilient Philippines!