Multi-sectoral action, investment in climate-resilient services, and child participation advocated as Klimalikasan Awards honor youth climate leaders
24 November 2025 – MANILA, 25 November 2025 — UNICEF Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for coordinated and inclusive action to make child-focused social services resilient to climate impacts. Their joint report, Climate Landscape Analysis for Children in the Philippines, sheds light on risks posed by climate shocks to children’s rights to health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation, protection, and a safe environment.
The report also assesses current initiatives by various agencies, identifies gaps in implementation, and reveals strategic opportunities for coordinated, data-driven child-centered climate action that institutionalizes child participation and prioritizes long-term adaptation.
“As stewards of our nation’s environment and natural resources, we at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recognize the urgent need to address the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly on the most vulnerable segment of our society: our children,” said DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.
Children’s future at stake
The UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index lists the Philippines as one of the most hazard-prone countries for children, exposing them to high risks that threaten their rights, as highlighted in the landscape analysis.
By 2050, nearly all children will experience at least five annual heatwaves, raising the likelihood of heatstroke, dehydration, and preterm births. More typhoons and shifting rainfall will also increase outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and malaria. Up to 98 per cent of agricultural losses from climate shocks have cut food supplies, leading families to rely on unhealthy, processed foods and increasing both hunger and malnutrition.
By 2040, up to 80 per cent of the Philippines’ water supply may be at risk, making it one of the most water-stressed countries. Typhoons and other disasters damage water infrastructure, raising risks of disease outbreaks.
In the 2023-2024 school year, 32 school days or 18 per cent of the duration were lost due to climate hazards. In the past decade, disasters have impacted 9 out of 10 schools.
Climate change also raises risks of violence, exploitation, poverty, and overburdened social support systems, which may trap vulnerable households in ongoing hardship.
Children in vulnerable groups are especially affected. Areas like Palawan, Camarines Norte and Sur, Quezon, Maguindanao del Sur and Norte, Sulu, and the Special Geographic Areas of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao face frequent climate hazards and have weak infrastructure, increasing their vulnerability.
Adaptation in child-centred social services urgently needed
While the Philippines has strong national policies for climate and disaster risk reduction, children’s needs are not yet fully prioritized in climate action. Investing in climate-resilient social services will protect their rights.
“The climate crisis is, at its heart, a child rights crisis. We must rapidly increase investments in climate-resilient health, education, water, nutrition, and protection services to make the Philippine National Adaptation Plan work for children. UNICEF stands ready to partner with government and all stakeholders ensure a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for every child in this climate-changed planet,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim.
“The DENR acknowledges the importance of empowering children and youth to participate in climate action. We must ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes,” added DENR Secretary Lotilla.
DENR and the Climate Change Commission are leading the localization of the National Adaptation Plan, which will provide clear pathways to unlock global and domestic climate financing through the investment portfolio for risk resilience. It will also strengthen collaboration among agencies to strengthen policies and align strategies for climate-resilient services.
Children as agents of change
UNICEF Philippines is also supporting the government in strengthening child and youth participation in climate policy, planning and implementation at all levels. The launch event featured the first-ever Kabataang Resilient Awards at DENR’s yearly Mga Kwentong KLIMA-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan Recognition Awards, a joint initiative of DENR, UNICEF, and Globe Telecom to honor individuals, organizations, and local governments who make outstanding contributions to climate action.
The young awardees demonstrated excellence in areas like youth-driven climate advocacy, community-centred disaster resilience, faith-based climate advocacy, mangrove rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration, community-based hazard mapping, creative outreach, and climate education campaigns.
“The Kabataang Resilient Awards celebrates the creativity, resilience, and leadership of children and youth. UNICEF supports them in exercising their right to climate leadership and decision-making,” Kim said.
The digital version of the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children in the Philippines is available at the Situation of Children in the Philippines, UNICEF’s data for children portal.
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph.
Follow UNICEF Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter and YouTube.
Source : UNICEF
Get the latest news and insights that are shaping the world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire to stay informed and be part of the global conversation.
Got a story to share? Pitch it to us at info@impactnews-wire.com and reach the right audience worldwide
Discover more from Impact Newswire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
