Noticias

Representatives from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) recently visited acciona.org’s Light at Home project sites in Palawan to better understand how decentralized renewable energy is transforming lives in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. In Cagbuli Island, El Nido, 90 households now have access to solar home systems, bringing reliable electricity to homes for the first time. Families shared how electricity has improved daily life—children can study after sunset, parents can better care for young children at night, and households can extend productive hours for work, safety, and family time. The delegation also visited Villa Paz, where they met community partner Nanay Lorna, highlighting the importance of local support systems in sustaining the program’s long-term impact. Building on these results, acciona.org Philippines and AECID are exploring opportunities to expand similar clean energy solutions to remote island communities in Cebu, aiming to bring reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to more families in need. The visit formed part of a week-long mission by AECID officials from its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, including Ms. Irene Seco, Technical Adviser for the Middle East and the Philippines, and Ms. Raquel López, Country Specialist for the Philippines, to gain firsthand experience of the projects currently being implemented by AECID in the Philippines.

On May 28, 2026, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) visited the Ayta Indigenous Women Farmers in Porac, Pampanga. Implemented by Sulong Peace Inc. (SPI), the Porac project highlights the strong connection between indigenous farming knowledge and sustainable development. The women shared practices such as seed preservation, organic cultivation, crop diversification, and resource-efficient farming rooted in ancestral wisdom and aligned with the principles of the green and circular economy. They also emphasized indigenous climate knowledge in disaster prevention, using traditional practices to anticipate seasonal changes, protect crops, and strengthen community resilience. More than food producers, Indigenous women farmers are guardians of culture, biodiversity, and resilience — embodying a holistic approach to sustainability grounded in solidarity, spirituality, and care for the land. The visit formed part of a week-long mission by AECID officials from its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, including Ms. Irene Seco, Technical Adviser for the Middle East and the Philippines, and Ms. Raquel López, Country Specialist for the Philippines, to gain firsthand experience of the projects currently being implemented by AECID in the Philippines.

Las mujeres están liderando el cambio en las zonas rurales de Filipinas. Gracias al apoyo de la Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, FRS ha completado con éxito el proyecto “Un Compromiso con un Futuro Rural Sostenible Liderado por las Mujeres en Pili”, cuyo objetivo es fortalecer el papel de las mujeres rurales mediante oportunidades sostenibles de agronegocio. Diez instalaciones productivas —entre ellas granjas caprinas, centros de producción de hongos, explotaciones agrícolas y plantas de procesamiento de alimentos— han sido oficialmente entregadas a cooperativas lideradas por mujeres en Camarines Sur. Se espera que estas instalaciones generen nuevas oportunidades de generación de ingresos, emprendimiento y desarrollo económico local. Vea el video aquí: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3596970857108594

Project: " Promoting Women's Access to Green and Circular Entrepreneurship and Their Protection Against Disasters in Vulnerable Communities in Zamboanga" Through the partnership between AECID, the Philippine Red Cross, and the Spanish Red Cross, important milestones have been achieved to strengthen community resilience, environmental sustainability, and women's empowerment in vulnerable coastal communities in Zamboanga. The recent turnover of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will support improved waste and resource management, contributing to cleaner communities and creating opportunities for sustainable and circular livelihoods. In parallel, community members participated in a mangrove monitoring workshop following the successful planting of more than 25,300 mangroves, reinforcing local capacities to protect coastal ecosystems and reduce disaster risks. At the center of these initiatives are women's associations, whose active participation in governance, environmental action, and green entrepreneurship is helping drive inclusive and community-led resilience for the future.

The Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, Violeta Domínguez Acosta, participated as a panelist at the ASEAN Business Media Exchange 2026 held on 7 May 2026, together with key leaders from the government and private sector. The whole-day event gathered stakeholders to discuss important regional issues, including energy security, food security, migrant workers, and ASEAN investments. During the panel discussion, “From Resilience to Collaborative Growth: Investing in Emerging Opportunities,” Ms. Domínguez highlighted the strategic role of AECID in advancing ASEAN priorities through impactful development initiatives in the Philippines focused on renewable energy, climate resilience, the circular economy, and sustainable agriculture.

The Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, Violeta Domínguez Acosta, was invited, together with key government and private sector leaders, to serve as a panelist at the ASEAN Business Media Exchange 2026 on 7 May 2026. The whole-day event brought together government, business, and private sector leaders to discuss key regional issues such as energy security, food security, migrant workers, and ASEAN investments. During the panel discussion, “From Resilience to Collaborative Growth: Investing in Emerging Opportunities,” Ms. Domínguez highlighted the strategic role of AECID in supporting ASEAN objectives through impactful development initiatives in the Philippines focused on renewable energy, climate resilience, the circular economy, and sustainable agriculture. Watch the full panel discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LUGkDGqyE/

Happy International Women’s Day 💜 Celebrating strength, resilience, and brilliance everywhere. Happy Women’s Day 💜 Today and always, we honor the power of women. #CooperaciónFeministaAECID #FeministCooperationStrategyAECID

We are honored to conclude our Women's Month campaign by featuring our very own Violeta Domínguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines A seasoned development cooperation specialist with extensive international experience, Violeta has led and served in various AECID Offices around the world, bringing strong expertise in international development and strategic leadership. In the Philippines, she has played a key role in advancing Spanish Cooperation's priorities-promoting human rights, fostering a green and sustainable economy, and empowering women and youth She also played a pivotal role in the signing of the Country Partnership Framework 2025-2028 in November 2024, a milestone that further strengthens the partnership between Spain and the Philippines. As we close this Women's Month, we celebrate her leadership, vision, and commitment to buildina more inclusive and sustainable societies. Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/AECIDPhilippines/posts/pfbid0uUfFNuxvq8cCYJcMhPccbGhir3GwAMs7q8DREhyizu1JDa96aJsmgrLLqDucusHtl #CooperaciónFeministaAECID #FeministCooperationStrategyAECID

First meeting of the year with spanish NGOs at the OCE in the Philippines, marking the start of new projects and strenghtening coordination and joint work on the ground. A key space to share priorities, align efforts, and continue building partnerships. With the participation of ACH, Cruz Roja, Cáritas, IAP, Plan International and CODESPA. - can you translate this

We celebrate Lorradel a dedicated public servant and inspiring community leader from San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. A graduate of CBSUA with a degree in Agroforestry, and with further studies in Methods of Teaching at BISCAST, she has built her life around service, leadership, and family. As a wife and mother of five, she exemplifies strength and commitment in both her personal and public roles. As Punong Barangay of San Jose, she stands as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and empowerment- working tirelessly to uplift her community through inclusive and responsive governance. A strong advocate for women's rights and welfare, Lorradel promotes livelihood opportunities, encourages community participation, and supports initiatives that empower women to thrive. Today, we honor her leadership and reaffirm that when women lead, communities grow stronger. Watch the video here: https://www.facebook.com/AECIDPhilippines/posts/pfbid0GAmdcnNGSHXveAfgF4WEoJkpbcgjwmm6E3vZ5EvUchSdqFqtY1nb2RnST5CXU67Fl #CooperaciónFeministaAECID #FeministCooperationStrategyAECID