UNICEF Philippines urges child-sensitive NDCs for climate-resilient schools

UNICEF Philippines is advocating for a climate-resilient start to the school year, urging that the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) be made child-sensitive.

This initiative aims to protect Filipino children, who are particularly vulnerable to climate and environmental shocks, with the Philippines having the highest disaster risk index for three consecutive years.

A UNICEF report also identifies the Philippines as having the second-highest climate risk for children in the East Asia and Pacific region.

Preliminary findings from EDCOM II and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies show that 53 teaching days were lost due to climate-related disruptions.

This has led to learning losses, with studies showing a decline in Math and Science achievement among Grade 4 students by as much as 12 to 14 percent of a standard deviation, equivalent to half a year of learning.