Noticias

Last November 19, a delegation from the Manila OCE of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), led by Ms. Violeta Domínguez, Head of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, visited Zamboanga at the invitation of the Spanish Red Cross to take part in the inauguration of small businesses supported by the project “Boosting Green and Circular Women’s Entrepreneurship and Their Protection Against Disasters.” The delegation also included the following AECID representatives: Francisco Quesada (Program Manager), Laura Antelo Suárez (Project Manager), and Celia Munguía Ruiz (Intern/Junior Professional). Acommpanying them and organizing the visit was Ms. María Grazia Pressacco, Head of the Spanish Red Cross Delegation to the Philippines.  The mission provided an opportunity to witness the project’s progress firsthand, engage with local partners and beneficiaries, and strengthen efforts toward community resilience and inclusive development in vulnerable areas.

A first emergency response training was recently conducted for the personnel of AECID and Instituto Cervantes de Manila by Valentín Río Sola, focusing on essential life-saving techniques. Participants learned how to respond effectively during an earthquake using the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method to minimize injury. The session also included practical exercises on controlling bleeding through direct pressure and proper bandaging. Trainees further enhanced their skills in CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), crucial for restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. The training empowered AECID personnel with the confidence and readiness to act swiftly and effectively in any emergency situation.

Last October 11, Violeta Domínguez Acosta, Head of Spanish Cooperation to the Philippines, together with H.E. Miguel Utray, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, visited Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck near Bogo City on 30 September 2025. During the visit, they met with Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro to express Spain’s support and discuss ongoing relief efforts. In response to the disaster, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) extended humanitarian aid in coordination with partners such as the Philippine Red Cross, IFRC, Action Against Hunger, and the Acciona Foundation—providing emergency funds, food, water, tents, and other essential supplies. Spain stands in solidarity with the people of Cebu during this time of recovery.

The Philippine Development Forum (PDF) 2025, led by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), convened the Philippine government and development partners to align on key policies and financing priorities. The forum supports major 2025 milestones such as the midterm review of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028, the ODA Portfolio Review, and the Fourth State of the Nation Address. Structured around four Sectoral Working Groups (SWGs)—human development, production sectors, infrastructure, and enabling environment—the forum culminated in an Affirmation Statement, reflecting joint commitment to development goals. AECID (Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo) actively engaged in all SWGs. Outcomes from these discussions will be compiled in an Output Compendium, guiding government planning, resource allocation, and coordination efforts.

La AECID activa su respuesta tras la catástrofe de Cebú para atender a 74.000 personas

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