An aerial photo of a mangrove site in Del Carmen, Siargao Islands. Photo credits: Erwin M. Mascariñas
Twenty (20) Mayors of coastal communities and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Professionals from the country’s top corporations were officially welcomed by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) TeaM Energy Center for Bridging Leadership (TEC-BL) as Fellows of the Bridging Leaders’ Initiative for Climate Resilience (BLICR) Fellowship Program. The program was launched last October 28 via Zoom Conferencing.
The first of its kind, the BLICR Fellowship Program is envisioned to create cross-sectoral partnerships among public and private institutions to generate Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) projects for climate-vulnerable coastal communities. The fellowship is in partnership with UK-based Earth Security Group through funding from the German government and TeaM Energy Foundation, Inc.
AIM President and Dean, Dr. Jikyeong Kang, PhD, delivered the opening remarks where she highlighted the need for an impetus for both the public and private sectors to collaborate in promoting a ‘green recovery’ plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked the Earth Security Group UK (ESG) for choosing AIM to be the convening body for the Fellowship and for trusting the Institute to deliver the leadership and management education of the Fellows.
For his part, Prof. Manuel De Vera, AIM TEC-BL Executive Director, shared a comprehensive overview of the two-year fellowship. He emphasized that one of the BLICR’s main goals is to help coastal cities and municipalities successfully design their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) with private sector participation for a multisectoral approach in building climate resilience. In addition, the program will guide the Fellows in exploring financing mechanisms for climate resilience projects and in accessing funding facilities such as the People’ Survival Fund (PSF), among others, to sustain their EbA projects’ long-term implementation.
Dr. Jikyeong Kang, AIM President and Dean, addresses the fellows during her opening remarks
The Mayors introduced themselves and talked about their on-going climate resilience projects in their cities and municipalities, namely: Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte; Cagayancillo, Palawan; Bayabas, Surigao Del Sur; Maluso, Basilan; Pagbilao, Quezon; Tagum City, Davao Del Norte; San Roque, Northern Samar; Borongan City, Eastern Samar; Barugo, Leyte; and Sipalay City, Negros Oriental.
Next, the Sustainability and CSR Professionals introduced themselves and similarly shared their respective EbA projects, including opportunities for collaboration with the Mayors in fostering climate resilience in their localities. They represent some of the country’s biggest corporations, such as Ayala Corporation, SM Prime, Pilipinas Shell, Philam Life, San Miguel Corporation, Bechtel Overseas Corporation, Hijo Resources, RD Corporation, and First Gen Corporation.
For more information about the BLICR Program and other offerings of AIM TEC-BL, you may contact teamenergycenter@aim.edu or visit their website at go.aim.edu/bridgingleadership.