Palawan, Philippines – With the goal of investigating the impacts of extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves on women and girls, the NTFP-EP Asia Pastor Rice Fund team, convened for an introductory research in San Vicente and Brooke’s Point, Palawan last 23 to 26 July 2026. 

The research focused on the lived experiences of women and girls in coastal and upland communities facing extreme heat and its impacts. To gather a breath of view, a focus group discussion was held at the Wangari Center in Barangay Poblacion, San Vicente, and Women’s Center in Barangay Aribungos, Brooke’s Point. This enabled the participants to share their current climatic realities and conditions. 

The narratives of participating representatives from IP&LCs and women-led organizations, Macatumbalen CBCFMA, MKE-BICAMM, and SAKATAN, were critical in providing key context on the community’s situation regarding extreme heat, its manifestations, and the risks posed by longer periods of intense heat. This space also provided an opportunity to lobby for crucial support needed by the community in response to the severe climatic disturbances. 

“Ang kalikasan hindi man nagsasalita, may ganti, lahat nadadamay, walang pinipili” said Nolista Siyang, MKE BICAMM President. 

The fruitful yet striking exchange during the discussions also served as a stern reminder and deep heed to action that, if environmental degradation and extreme weather crises are left unaddressed, vulnerable communities will suffer the consequences, thereby disrupting their lives, sacred traditional practices, livelihoods, and integrity of their natural environment.  

The outputs of this research will contribute an illustrative case study assessing the effects of extreme heat on  women and girls  in Asia, with a particular focus on the Philippines and India.

Written by Berns Del Castillo, Programme Officer for Pastor Rice Funds (PRF), NTFP-EP Asia