Noticias

From May 25 to June 4, Natalia Zapata, Head of Cooperation for the Philippines based in Madrid, visited the country to oversee ongoing development efforts supported by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The extended mission aimed to reaffirm Spain’s commitment to inclusive development, climate action, and women’s empowerment through close collaboration with local partners and communities. She was warmly welcomed by the team of the Spanish Cooperation Office (OCE) in the Philippines, who actively supported the different stages of the mission. On May 27 and 28, AECID delegates, together with representatives from Cáritas Española, visited project sites in Baguio and Benguet as part of the Green Luzon Project. Accompanied by Caritas Philippines and the Diocesan Social Action Center of Baguio, the group toured vegetable farming sites and an agro-enterprise consolidation facility in Barangays Tuel (Tublay) and Sagpat (Kibungan). These initiatives aim to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The team also evaluated disaster risk reduction equipment provided to communities and visited the Sagpat communal forest, where ongoing reforestation efforts include the planting of 750 trees toward an annual goal of 1,000. From June 1 to 3, the field visit continued in the Bicol region, where the delegation engaged with local stakeholders in Naga and Legazpi, following up on community-led projects implemented by Educo and Fundación InteRed. In Albay, Educo focuses on empowering women through safe, inclusive spaces that promote leadership and participation in local governance. In Camarines Sur, Fundación InteRed works with youth—especially young women—to drive sustainable rural development grounded in gender equality and human rights. Throughout the Bicol mission, the AECID team met with project participants and local government units, reinforcing the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving long-term, inclusive progress. They acknowledged the dedication of local partners and reiterated AECID’s ongoing support for initiatives that tackle systemic inequality and promote community resilience. The mission also featured a working breakfast with Spanish NGOs and their local counterparts in the Philippines, including Acción Contra el Hambre, Fundación CODESPA, Cruz Roja Española, and Acciona. The gathering served as a platform to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and explore areas for deeper collaboration, highlighting a shared commitment to uphold human dignity and foster equity across underserved communities. This mission highlights the importance of trust, alignment of objectives, and active participation at the community level for successful cooperation. AECID’s presence in the country demonstrated Spain’s enduring support for a just and sustainable future in partnership with the Filipino people.

From June 1 to 3, representatives from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) visited Naga and Legazpi in the Bicol region to observe ongoing initiatives carried out by Educo and Fundación InteRed, two of the many counterparts for AECID-funded initiatives. Accompanied by project counterparts and local partners, the group visited communities where these initiatives are being carried out. Educo’s project, based in the municipalities of Manito and Camalig, focuses on the empowerment of women by creating safe and inclusive spaces that promote their rights, leadership, and participation in community life. In the municipalities of Del Gallego, Pamplona, and Milaor, Fundación InteRed’s project works with young people—particularly young women—to encourage their leadership and engagement in sustainable rural development from a gender and human rights perspective. The visit highlighted the collaborative efforts to support inclusive development and reduce inequalities across vulnerable sectors in the region. Forming part of the visiting delegation were Natalia Zapata, Head for Cooperation for the Philippines based in Madrid; Violeta Domínguez, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines; Francisco Quesada, Program Manager; and Laura Antelo, Project Manager.

The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation has inaugurated its new premises, marking a meaningful step forward for the mission’s ongoing work. The occasion was attended by members of the Spanish diplomatic community, who gathered to celebrate this new chapter. While the space is modest, it is set to serve as the official seat of the office in the country and a foundation for future activities and engagement. The move reflects a continued commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing shared goals. As the doors open, so too does the next phase in the office’s journey.

Last May 27 and 28, representatives from AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) and Cáritas Española visited project sites in Barangays Tuel (Tublay) and Sagpat (Kibungan), Benguet, as part of their support for the Green Luzon Project. Accompanied by Caritas Philippines and the Diocesan Social Action Center of Baguio, they toured vegetable production areas and the site of a new consolidation facility aimed at boosting farmer income through the Agro Enterprise Clustering Approach. The team also inspected disaster risk reduction equipment provided to the barangays to enhance community resilience. A visit to the Sagpat communal forest highlighted the project’s climate action, including the planting of 750 trees toward an annual goal of 1,000. AECID and Cáritas Española reaffirmed that the project's success relies not only on funding but also on strong collabor

A recent meeting on peace and development in Mindanao brought together representatives from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), along with local participants and educators, to discuss the Communities for Learning and Employment Project (CLEP), an initiative by Community and Family Services International (CFSI) being carried out in MILF camps. The project, implemented in six key camps, aims to empower communities through training in practical skills and the creation of sustainable livelihoods via community learning centers. During the meeting, several attendees shared inspiring stories of transformation. To date, the program has trained 40% of its 900 enrollees, many of whom have already launched small income-generating ventures. These efforts are playing a key role in rebuilding lives and promoting stability in communities previously affected by conflict. In the words of community leader Abuhaymin Delma, this initiative represents “a new path toward peace and development” in the region. Inquirer: Schoolteachers take over from warriors

In Bicol, AECID Philippines supports Spanish NGOs working to mitigate the impact of typhoons. Our delegation visited two evacuation centers and bamboo resilient houses constructed under the Fundación de Religiosos para la Salud (FRS) project, as well as the Emergency Response to Typhoon Kristine, implemented by Action Against Hunger (AAH).

On this International Women’s Day, March 8, Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines celebrates the progress made in gender equality and reaffirms its commitment to the rights of women and girls, promoting their empowerment and participation in all areas of society. Thirty years after the Beijing Declaration, we continue moving towards a future where gender equality becomes a reality, working alongside our partners and allies to ensure the rights and well-being of all. #PorYParaTodas

Last year, AECID Director Anton Leis, accompanied by members of the Spanish delegation, visited the Philippines to sign the Country Partnership Framework with the Philippine Government. As part of this visit, they traveled to Camarines Sur in Bicol, where they were warmly welcomed by the Fundación Religiosos para la Salud (FRS). FRS, one of AECID's long-standing partner NGOs in the Philippines, has been actively engaged in humanitarian projects for over 12-14 years, focusing on health initiatives and, more recently, disaster risk reduction. During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to observe the progress of various projects in Siruma and Tinambac, which have been implemented over the past few years. They were also able to witness the positive outcomes of the Disaster Risk Reduction initiative in a region of the Philippines that has been heavily impacted by typhoons. Accompanying Director Leis were Cecilia García Gasalla, Director of Cooperation with Asia and Africa; Violeta Domínguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines; and Almudena Villarino, Project Manager. UNA VISITA QUE MARCA UN ANTES Y UN DESPUÉS EN LA COOPERACIÓN

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines joins the fight and work against all forms of gender-based violence. Through the SUBATRA Project we support the Bangsamoro Women Commission to strengthen the capacity and the presence of the VAW desk in BARMM.

Today marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the Philippines and Spain. During the first day of his official visit to the Philippines, AECID Director Antón Leis García, accompanied by the Spanish Delegation, met with Undersecretary Joseph Capuno from the National Economic and Development Authority-IPG (Investment Programming Group) and senior officials from the NEDA Public Investment Staff, and National Policy and Planning Staff to sign the Country Partnership Framework for 2025-2028 between Philippines and Spain. This agreement represents a key step in strengthening the development cooperation between the two nations. Among the Spanish Delegation accompanying AECID's Director are Cecilia García Gasalla, AECID Director of Cooperation with Africa and Asia; and Fernando Jiménez-Ontiveros, AECID Director for Multilateral, Horizontal and Financial Cooperation. In attendance were also H.E. Miguel Utray Delgado, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines; and Violeta Dominguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines. Later in the day, Antón Leis García also engaged in productive discussions with Spanish NGOs and bilateral partners in the Philippines, further solidifying efforts to promote sustainable development and foster mutual growth.