More than 1,000 residents sought refuge inside Tinabanan Cave, which has been a shelter since colonial times, as a super-typhoon hit on Nov 8. Lorna dela Pena, 66, was alone during the storm that killed over 6,000 people and displaced about 4 million. Despite feeling disoriented, she managed to evacuate and climb up the slippery soil and limestone to the cave, which now has stairs installed following the Haiyan disaster. While providing hot porridge to evacuees, dela Pena realized the crucial role that local organizations play in helping communities become more resilient to increasingly severe weather conditions as the planet heats up. She emphasized the importance of unity in assisting those in need, stating that what may seem impossible for one person to achieve becomes achievable when everyone comes together. Inspired by this belief, she collaborated with others in Marabut to establish women's groups addressing various issues. These groups now spearhead workshops on organic farming, facilitate discussions on violence against women, and promote the adoption of renewable energy among women in the community. Azucena Bagunas, 47, and dela Pena are two individuals who have been trained by the Philippines-based Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) as "solar scholars." This organization promotes low-carbon development and climate resilience. In response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Yolanda, Bagunas and dela Pena learned how to operate portable solar-powered generators called TekPaks. These generators are used during evacuations to provide light, charge mobile devices, and assist in emergency situations. One memorable instance for Bagunas was when the TekPak was used to power a nebulizer to save a person suffering from an asthma attack. Bagunas and dela Pena are teaching women in Marabut how to operate TekPaks and educating them on the advantages of renewable energy. They make sure that the solar-powered equipment is charged before a storm hits so that the community can be safely moved. Bagunas pointed out that using solar energy is more cost-effective compared to relying on coal-fired electricity. She emphasized that by using solar power as the primary energy source in their homes, they can eliminate electricity bills as long as they have a solar panel. This way, they can have a dependable and affordable source of power. Bagunas also favors solar power as a safer alternative. In June, her brother's house next door caught fire due to a live electricity wire hitting his roof, causing some damage to her own house as well. WOMEN'S WORK According to 2020 data from the Department of Energy, around 60% of the Philippines' energy still comes from coal and oil, while only 34% comes from renewable sources. However, the government aims to transition the country to a larger proportion of renewable energy, such as solar, reaching half of power generation by 2040. Chuck Baclagon, Asia regional campaigner for 350.org, a group supporting grassroots climate action, mentioned that the ICSC's efforts in bringing solar power to communities would help promote clean energy at the local level. Today's centralized power system, which relies on fossil fuels, is not effective in addressing energy poverty in remote island areas far from commercial centers, according to the speaker. He emphasized that the transition to solar energy proves that it is possible to make a change, debunking the belief that it is too expensive. The high cost of fossil fuel is due to its volatility in the market as it is imported. On the other hand, renewable energy sources like solar are more feasible to implement locally because they make use of what is readily available and have great potential in specific locations. Leah Payud, resilience portfolio manager at Oxfam Philippines, highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives that introduce solar energy in poor rural communities, particularly because it benefits vulnerable groups like women and children who are most affected by climate change. She stated that women's unpaid care work and domestic work doubles during disasters, which becomes more difficult due to the lack of access to energy sources. This includes not having a clean kitchen to cook meals or electricity for tasks like breastfeeding or sanitizing equipment. She believes that women should be included in the expansion of clean, affordable, and easily accessible energy because they are the main users and producers. Without their involvement, renewable energy initiatives may not be suitable. She emphasized that gender justice is essential for climate justice. One effective method for introducing women to renewable energy involves having them create a 24-hour clock detailing their household chores and the energy sources they use, according to Payud. By consulting with Oxfam staff, they can explore how switching energy sources could ease their workload, making the concept more relatable. This exercise has shown that many women spend at least 13 hours daily on unpaid family care work, a burden that has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic with increased home-schooling. In energy-deprived areas like Suluan Island, women must collect water and face risks when venturing out after dark. Solar lights have proven to be a safer and more reliable alternative to oil lamps, eliminating the need to cross the sea for fuel. Payud stated that solar energy is the most reliable source of energy during a disaster, particularly when the main power supply is disrupted and travel between islands is not possible. Following Haiyan, it took six months to restore grid power in remote communities, a situation that could have been avoided if women had access to alternative energy like solar. Dela Pena and Bagunas believe that women should play a leading role in addressing climate change and energy poverty because they are often the first to address challenges as they are the ones overseeing the family and acting as "shock absorbers".