In a report, UNICEF stated that “the climate crisis is a child rights crisis,” noting through the Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) that nearly one billion children, almost half of the world’s children, live in environments vulnerable to climate change.
Around the world, the destruction of school facilities and disruption of education caused by climate-related disasters are becoming increasingly severe each year. In the Philippines, which lies in the path of tropical climate disasters such as typhoons and floods, many schools suffer repeated flooding every year, leading to a recurring cycle in which in-person classes are suspended for months. Since education serves as the last line of defense in safeguarding the lives of future generations and sustaining local communities, proactively breaking this cycle has become a critical challenge.
In response to this urgent need, the International WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”) hosted the “Seminar on International Cooperation for Sustainable Education in the Era of Climate Crisis” on June 3, 2026, at Villar SIPAG Events Place in Las Piñas City, the Philippines. Held under the theme “International Cooperation Strategies for Disaster Response and Education Recovery,” the event brought together approximately 300 participants from various sectors. Attendees included Lee Seung-an, Secretary General of WeLoveU, and other WeLoveU delegates; Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff of the Villar Foundation; and representatives from DepEd Las Piñas and the National Youth Commission.
In his opening remarks, Lee Seung-an, Secretary General of WeLoveU, said, “We organized this international cooperation seminar to examine the impact of the climate crisis, the most urgent challenge of our time, on education and to help restore hope and opportunities for future generations. I hope today’s seminar will serve as a meaningful platform for strengthening public-private and international cooperation toward sustainable education recovery.”
In her congratulatory address, Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff of the Villar Foundation, said she looked forward to advancing international cooperation with WeLoveU to promote educational continuity and community recovery, as well as creating synergy with Villar Foundation programs.
Through video messages, Senators Camille A. Villar and Mark A. Villar emphasized the importance of international solidarity in strengthening educational resilience amid the climate crisis and called for continued cooperation to build sustainable education systems. In a written message, Senate President pro tempore of the Senate Loren Legarda pointed out that the climate crisis is undermining the right to education for vulnerable children and emphasized the need to transform schools from victims of crises into proactive tools for recovery.
Seeking Solutions for Education Recovery in the Era of Climate Crisis
The second session featured in-depth presentations on a wide range of topics, from directions for education recovery in the era of climate crisis to concrete examples of public-private partnerships and NGO initiatives. The presentations drew strong interest and support from the participants.
Key Presentation Topics
“Public-Private Partnership Cases for Restoring Educational Environments in the Era of Climate Crisis”
Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff and Attorney, Villar Foundation
Public-private partnership (PPP) models that combine government and private-sector resources are essential for restoring educational environments affected by the climate crisis. The Villar Foundation supports education and addresses waste management challenges through an eco-friendly circular economy initiative that transforms discarded plastic into chairs, which are donated free of charge to public schools.
“Climate Crisis, Disaster Trauma, and Continuity of Learning”
Prof. Ariel D. Delos Reyes, College of Nursing, City University of Pasay
Damage to schools and disruptions to classes caused by climate disasters deprive children of learning opportunities. Along with emotional support that promotes students’ psychological recovery, schools should actively utilize digital learning, blended online and offline education, and alternative learning spaces to minimize learning loss.
“Education Recovery After Climate Disasters and International Cooperation”
Lee Seung-an, Secretary General, International WeLoveU Foundation
Global solidarity and international cooperation are urgently needed to ensure that not a single child is left behind in learning amid the growing threat of climate disasters. By strengthening global governance that connects individuals and institutions and building close partnerships with educational authorities, sustainable education systems for the future can be established.
“Proactive Response Strategies for Sustainable Education”
Dr. Veronico O. Gonzales, Education Program Supervisor, DepEd Las Piñas
Beyond responding after disasters occur, schools must proactively build climate resilience through investments in flood-resistant infrastructure, the introduction of early warning systems, and regular evacuation drills.
“The Increase of Climate Disasters and the Building of Global Partnerships”
Kim Ok-hyun, Vice Chairperson, IUCN National Committee of Korea
Innovative education recovery can be achieved only through global partnerships that transcend borders, enabling policymakers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to share resources and expertise on a broad scale.
From Commitment to Action
Immediately following the presentations, WeLoveU and the Villar Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on climate crisis response and the creation of sustainable educational environments. The agreement will serve as a strong foundation for jointly identifying schools in disaster-vulnerable areas across the Philippines and promoting the reconstruction of educational facilities and proactive environmental improvements.
Representatives of participating organizations also signed a statement of support, expressing their shared commitment to protecting educational environments threatened by climate disasters and building sustainable education systems for future generations.
“We hope WeLoveU’s activities will continue in the years ahead because they bring help and hope to many people. In particular, they provide tremendous support for the education of students in the Philippines.”
Armando V. Angeles Jr., Head of the NCR-MIMAROPA Area Office, National Youth Commission; Presidential Staff Officer IV
“WeLoveU plays a major role in raising global awareness of the climate change challenges confronting the Philippines. I express my sincere gratitude and respect for Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah’s dedication and efforts in preventing and responding to climate change. The Villar Foundation will also work with WeLoveU to address this important issue.”
Rhaegee Tamaña, Chief of Staff, Villar Foundation
Climate-related disasters are expected to become more frequent in the years ahead. However, as demonstrated by the citizens and leaders who participated in this seminar, even climate disasters can be turned into hope when we join hands and move forward together toward the single shared goal of sustainable education.
Protecting children’s right to education in an era of disasters is a responsibility we all share. Building on the meaningful commitments made today, WeLoveU will continue its efforts to deliver hope to damaged classrooms in disaster-vulnerable regions around the world.
