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Project CLIMA ignites women-led climate action in celebration of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month

Mar 03 2026

In a powerful convergence of National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month, Project CLIMA (Community empowerment, Leadership of women in climate action, Inclusive sustainability, Mitigation and adaptation practices, Advocacy for climate justice) mobilized young women leaders to champion safety, resilience, and climate-responsive action.

Spearheaded by Jaypee S. Yongco from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Project CLIMA partnered with the National Service Training Program-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NSTP DRRM) Cluster to conduct a transformative capacity-building activity focused on fire prevention, disaster preparedness, and women-led climate action. The initiative, which took place on March 1, 2026, highlighted the critical role of women in advancing sustainable communities and strengthening disaster resilience.

Women at the Frontlines of Climate and Community Protection

The activity, with a majority composed of women NSTP students, became more than a compliance-driven training—it was a declaration of empowerment. It underscored the message of National Women’s Month: women are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are leaders, innovators, and protectors of their communities.

Through interactive demonstrations, fire safety simulations, and emergency response briefings, students were equipped with practical knowledge on: (1) Fire prevention and hazard identification, (2) Proper use of fire extinguishers, (3) Emergency evacuation protocols, (4) Community-based disaster risk reduction strategies, and (5) Climate-linked disaster awareness and mitigation practices.

By integrating Fire Prevention Month themes with climate resilience advocacy, Project CLIMA positioned women as central actors in sustainability and public safety.

Strong Institutional Leadership and Collaboration

The activity was conducted under the leadership of Michael Art Napoles, Head of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), and Dr. Allan Pabellic, Head of the DRRM Cluster. Their collaborative guidance ensured that the initiative aligned with institutional goals on research-driven community engagement and disaster preparedness.

Supporting Dr. Pabellic in leading the technical sessions were dedicated DRRM team members: Cyril Naigal, Ricardo Librado, Daven Herodias, and Alma Banding.

Their expertise provided students with hands-on, real-world insights into emergency management and disaster response operations.

Climate Justice Begins with Prepared Women

Project CLIMA’s framework emphasizes that climate justice and sustainability are inseparable from gender inclusion. Women, often disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters, must be equipped with the tools, leadership training, and technical knowledge to drive solutions.

By centering this initiative during National Women’s Month, the program reinforced a vital truth: empowering women in disaster risk reduction is not symbolic—it is strategic. When women are trained and mobilized, families are safer, communities are more resilient, and institutions are stronger.

From Awareness to Action

As Fire Prevention Month reminds communities of the importance of vigilance and preparedness, Project CLIMA extends that call toward long-term climate adaptation and mitigation practices. The training instilled not only technical skills but also a mindset of proactive leadership among NSTP students.

Through this initiative, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise and the NSTP DRRM Cluster have demonstrated how research, service, and advocacy can intersect to produce meaningful societal impact.

Project CLIMA stands as a testament to the power of collaboration—and to the undeniable strength of women leading the charge toward a safer, more sustainable, and climate-resilient future.

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