Forging a partnership for climate resilience and child rights (seated, l-r): Rowena Cordero, SCP chief of programs; Dr. Rodel Lasco, OMLC executive director; Atty. Alberto Jesus Muyot, SCP CEO; and Marianna Vargas-Morada, OMLC programs director; (Standing, l-r): Annie Beldia, OMLC website and design coordinator; Mae Anne Mangubos, OMLC communication specialist; Jean Mariel Ranises, OMLC grants officer; Regine Joy Evangelista-Javier, OMLC knowledge resources manager; Katherine Mae Sarmiento, OMLC partnerships manager; Edwin Horca, SCP director for program planning and technical design; Rexel Abrigo, SCP climate and environmental health advisor; Emma Salmani, SCP advocacy manager; and Natalia Tabal, SCP director of awards managementOscar M. Lopez (OML) Center and Save the Children Philippines (SCP) signed a memorandum of understand ing (MOU) to formalize their shared commitment to ad dress the intersection of climate change and child rights. 

OML Center executive director Dr. Rodel Lasco and SCP chief executive officer Atty. Alberto Jesus Muyot led the ceremonial signing at the Rockwell Business Center, Pasig, on May 5, 2025.

Center, Pasig, on May 5, 2025. “The OML Center’s strength is in climate research—understanding the science behind the changes we see in our environment. But science only becomes powerful when it reaches those who need it most. Through our partnership with Save the Children Philippines, we hope to make climate science more meaningful and relatable to Filipino children. We aim to help them better understand the world around them, protect themselves from climate risks and take part in building safer, more resilient communities,” said Lasco.

According to the SCP, over 26 million enrolled students in 2024 alone are already affected by climate change, ranging from extreme heat to stronger typhoons. These conditions have significantly disrupted the students’ learning, with at least 53 out of 180 school days lost due to weather-related class suspensions. 

But the crisis goes beyond education. Health problems associated with climate change are growing in the Philippines. In terms of mental health, a global survey revealed that Filipino children and adolescents are experiencing extreme climate anxiety and “eco-grief.” Food security is at risk because of drought, which poses consequences on the country’s already alarming rate of stunting, underweight and wasting among children under five years old. There is also an increased vulnerability to vector-borne and waterborne diseases among children.

“Children are the least responsible for the climate crisis, but they face its most serious impacts. Working with the Oscar M. Lopez Center allows us to reach more children with programs that protect them and help them understand the risks, adapt to the changes and build resilience in their communities,” said Muyot.

Through the MOU, OML Center and the SCP will collaborate on initiatives focusing on general areas of climate change, climate change adaptation, community engagement, environment and climate education and child rights governance.

Both institutions are committed to promoting, developing and building networks to strengthen other key stakeholders’ engagement in amplifying climate action and advocacies centered on children’s rights in the Philippines.

For more information and updates on the initiatives of OML Center and Save the Children Philippines, visit https://www.omlopezcenter.org/ and https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/.