Makati City, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC), with the support of Senator Loren Legarda, and in partnership with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), launched a scholarship program that grants full scholarships to candidates for AIM’s Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program.
Unveiled on 5 March 2024 at the Aboitiz Tech Space of AIM, this visionary endeavor embodies a collective commitment to tackling the pressing issues surrounding climate change and disaster crises—an imperative action in today’s global scenario.
In her welcome speech, AIM President and Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang recounted how the concept of the Sustainable Leadership Learning for Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction (SLL-CDRR) scholarship program originated from Senator Loren Legarda herself during the Asian Conference on Climate Change and Disaster Resilience in 2023. Senator Legarda highlighted the significance of AIM’s Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program, envisioning a scholarship initiative to pave the way for more leaders from diverse groups to spearhead communities toward greater adaptability.
With the fruition of SLL-CDRR, Dr. Kang emphasized AIM’s dedication to an inclusive and robust world, underlining the Institute’s firm belief that this new endeavor brings the Philippines—and the world—a step closer to a future marked by resilience, sustainability, and unwavering resolve.
CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, expressed gratitude towards Senator Legarda in his opening message, for her vital role in the development of the SLL-CDRR scholarship. Secretary Borje also conveyed his appreciation towards AIM for the realization of their shared vision. He stressed how this collaboration can elevate and accelerate progress by nurturing and developing effective and proactive leaders.
Secretary Borje then proudly announced that CCC aims to grant scholarships to 18 recipients, encompassing sustainability advocates from national government agencies (NGAs), leaders from indigenous communities, women leading climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) officers in local government units (LGU). CCC’s vision extends beyond knowledge acquisition, anticipating the meaningful contributions these leaders can bring to the field.
Subsequently, Professor and Academic Program Director, Professor Chad Michael Briggs, PhD elaborated on the program’s focus on climate change and strategic cooperation across diverse fields. EMDRCM’s rigorous structure covers foundational skills, risk assessment, and sustainability, culminating in a team-based, hands-on capstone project. It instills technical, managerial, and leadership expertise, emphasizing real-world applications through immersion. By employing a hands-on approach and applied learning, the program provides students with a thorough understanding of the interconnected nature of crises, disasters, and climate-related issues, preparing them for effective policy development and climate action planning.
Associate Professor and Head of the Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management, Professor Olivier P. Roche, PhD, shared that EMDRCM welcomes applicants from multifaceted fields. Its holistic approach considers individuals with both potential and passion, as well as those with past achievements and a commitment to community and climate change. The goal is to form a vibrant and dynamic cohort for effective learning and collaboration.
Following the program’s overview and eligibility criteria, Senator Loren B. Legarda took center stage as the event’s keynote speaker, stressing urgency on reducing the country’s vulnerability and infusing the audience with a sense of dedication and innovation. She described the scholarship as a pivotal milestone, accentuating the importance of unification across different sectors and the significance of women’s representation in fragile areas. She noted how women’s nurturing nature can be a meaningful contribution to addressing the impact of climate change.
Furthermore, supporting Secretary Borje’s statement, Senator Legarda expanded on SLL-CDRR’s focus on inclusivity, inviting participation of key groups such as DRRM officers in LGUs, recognizing their crucial role in disaster response; Women Leaders for Climate Change Adaptation, acknowledging their unique perspectives in addressing climate change’s gender dimensions; Indigenous Groups’ Leaders, valuing their centuries-old wisdom for community-centric resilience strategies; and Sustainability and Inclusivity Champions in NGAs, appreciating their unsung heroism in driving policy changes for sustainability on a national scale.
In her closing statement, Senator Legarda passionately underscored the vital call for collective action, challenging not just the audience but every Filipino to be architects of a world where resilience is not merely an idea but a palpable and empowering reality.
Be the change you want to see, forge a path to resilience with the Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management (EMDRCM) program, and join our July 2024 intake now. To gain more information, contact us at +63 939 980 5709 or emdrcm@aim.edu to start your application.
