The Province of Iloilo has emerged as a model for women-led renewable energy and climate resilience after officials from UN Women and the United Nations Environment Programme cited the province’s gender-responsive clean energy programs as a template for other communities in the Philippines.
This came as Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. welcomed a joint donor mission composed of representatives from UN Women, UNEP, and the Government of New Zealand in line with the EmPower: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies Programme being implemented in province.
The mission included New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherine McIntosh, UN Resident Coordinator’s Office head Matija Kovac, UN Women portfolio lead Maria Holtzberg, and UNEP renewable energy program officer Dr. Parimita Mohanty.
They met with provincial officials to review the progress of the EmPower initiative and explore new areas of collaboration on gender-responsive climate resilience and sustainable development.
The initiative integrates gender-responsive approaches into the Iloilo Province Renewable Energy Plan to ensure clean energy policies are more inclusive while expanding opportunities for women in green industries and local decision-making.
For communities across Iloilo, particularly in Maasin and Zarraga, the partnership is translating into practical benefits through wider access to renewable energy technologies, stronger livelihood opportunities for women, and climate-responsive programs designed around community needs.
During the meeting, Defensor highlighted the critical role of women in environmental programs such as Limpyo Iloilo and presented the province’s climate-focused initiatives, including the Purok Resilience Program in Batad.
Defensor also pushed for long-term solutions on renewable energy waste, particularly the safe disposal of aging solar panels, while promoting technologies that can support both clean energy generation and agriculture.
Provincial ordinances such as I-PORE and I-CARE were likewise presented as part of Iloilo’s broader climate and environmental framework.
Holtzberg said Iloilo demonstrates how renewable energy policy can directly strengthen women’s resilience and economic opportunities.
“It is the success of advancing renewable energy policy framework that allows women in communities that are impacted by climate crisis to build resilience and build their economic resilience…This is an example of what circular economy looks like,” said Holtzberg.
Kovac also praised Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and described the province as a source of solutions that can be replicated elsewhere.
“We really admired your leadership. What we want more of in the UN system is more cities and more provinces like Iloilo really be able to export excellent, best practices and solutions to some challenges which are striking in this particular setting subject to climate change and its impact.”
Mohanty echoed the recognition.
“We can say that Iloilo is one of the role model provinces that we can see so far. What we are thinking now is how we can replicate in other parts of the country.”
The delegation was also set to visit women beneficiaries in Maasin and Zarraga who have adopted solar-powered technologies in their livelihood activities.
With international partners now looking to Iloilo as a model for replication, the province is positioning itself not only as a leader in renewable energy planning but also as a blueprint for women-led climate action in the country.
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