Noticias

Today, AECID Philippines celebrates Día del Cooperante, honoring the Spanish cooperantes stationed in the Philippines and around the world, and recognizing the invaluable work they do alongside marginalized and vulnerable communities. Their commitment, dedication and presence in the field are an essential part of Spanish Cooperation — not only in advancing development initiatives, but also in building lasting partnerships with communities, local organizations and institutions in the Philippines. The intimate gathering was graced by H.E. Miguel Utray, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, and brought together Spanish and Filipino representatives of Spanish NGOs working in the country: Action Against Hunger, Cáritas Española, Cruz Roja Española, Plan International, CODESPA, Fundación de Religiosos para la Salud (FRS), and International Action for Peace (IAP), together with Ms. Neus Bernabeu, UNFPA Country Representative in the Philippines. For one afternoon, conversations about project indicators and milestones took a back seat. Instead, we created a space for fellow cooperantes to connect, share experiences and get to know one another beyond their professional roles — with plenty of laughter, good conversations and, of course, delicious Spanish food generously hosted by VAMOS Restaurant. Because behind every project, every achievement and every partnership are people who have chosen to dedicate their time, energy and expertise to working alongside others. To all Spanish cooperantes in the Philippines and around the world: thank you for being there, for your commitment, and for the invaluable work you do every day. ¡Feliz Día del Cooperante! ❤️ #DíaDelCooperante #CooperaciónEspañola #AECID #SpanishCooperation #Cooperantes #Philippines #DevelopmentCooperation #Solidarity

Día del Cooperante | Behind every cooperation project are people who choose to be there. This Día del Cooperante, we are happy to highlight International Action for Peace (IAP) and, in particular, its Spanish cooperantes working in the Philippines: Guillem Barril Cutillas and Javier Muñoz López, Field Coordinators. Guillem and Javier made the commitment to deploy to the Philippines and work directly in the field, embracing the challenges and realities that come with accompanying communities and local organizations in some of the country’s most vulnerable areas. Their work has brought them face-to-face with challenging human rights situations and difficult experiences in the field, requiring not only professional dedication, but also resilience, empathy and a strong commitment to the people and communities they accompany. Through their work with IAP and its local partners, they contribute to the protection of human rights defenders and the promotion of peace and human rights, working alongside those who are often at the forefront of some of the country’s most difficult challenges. Their experience reminds us that cooperation is not simply about working from afar. It is about being present, listening, accompanying and standing alongside communities — even when the work is difficult. We are grateful to Guillem and Javier for their courage, commitment and dedication, and for being an important part of the Spanish Cooperation community in the Philippines. Thank you for being there.

Francisco Quesada, Acting Head of Cooperation, was invited to engage with students of Ateneo de Manila University in a meaningful discussion on Spain’s longstanding cooperation with the Philippines and its contribution to peacebuilding, particularly in the Bangsamoro region. The discussion, “From Cooperation to Peacebuilding: Spain’s Engagement in the Philippines and Bangsamoro,” offered an opportunity to share the experience, lessons, and work of Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines with a new generation of development professionals. Bringing cooperation into the classroom also created space to reflect on how development cooperation can go beyond addressing development challenges — contributing to dialogue, peace, social cohesion, and inclusive and sustainable development. A sincere thank you to Ateneo de Manila University for hosting this enriching exchange, and to the students for their thoughtful questions, insightful perspectives, and inspiring energy. 

Día del Cooperante | Óscar Martínez Heredia This Día del Cooperante, we celebrate Óscar Martínez Heredia, Regional Representative of Cáritas Española for Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, and his commitment to international cooperation and to the communities Cáritas accompanies around the world. For many years, AECID and Cáritas Española have shared a strong partnership in the Philippines, working together to support vulnerable communities and promote more inclusive, resilient and sustainable development. Cáritas Española is a valued partner of Spanish Cooperation, bringing its long-standing experience, commitment and community-based approach to its work in the country. Through AECID-supported initiatives such as Green Luzón, Cáritas Española contributes to strengthening sustainable livelihoods, food security, climate resilience and the rights of vulnerable and Indigenous communities in Luzón. Behind this work are people like Óscar, who help build bridges and strengthen partnerships to make cooperation more meaningful and impactful. Thank you, Óscar, for your commitment to the Philippines and to international cooperation! #DíaDelCooperante #SomosCooperación #CooperaciónEspañola #AECID #CáritasEspañola #EspañaFilipinas #GreenLuzón Please watch the video using the link below: https://www.facebook.com/AECIDPhilippines/posts/pfbid0GxBguFFM6kgtapQdxRAwP1pngFm6DsniD5MsaQCiuuKh2ZvMMLux4Cjfu1DRVKLCl

Día del Cooperante | People who make cooperation happen This Día del Cooperante, we are pleased to introduce Alfonso Núñez, Philippines Coordinator, and Flavia González, Project Officer of the Fundación de Religiosos para la Salud (FRS) — two Spanish cooperantes working alongside local communities and partners to turn development goals into concrete action. For many years, AECID and FRS have worked together in the Philippines, building a longstanding partnership around a shared commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of vulnerable communities. FRS is a valued partner of Spanish Cooperation, with a strong presence on the ground and extensive experience in areas such as community development, disaster risk reduction, resilience and the empowerment of women. Today, this partnership continues through initiatives such as FRS's work in Catanduanes, where AECID support is helping promote the economic empowerment of vulnerable women and strengthen local livelihoods and community resilience. Working with local partners, the projects reach communities in Gigmoto and Bagamanoc, supporting initiatives linked to agriculture, food sustainability, decent work and income-generating activities. Behind these initiatives are people like Alfonso and Flavia, who work every day to connect communities, local organizations and institutions, listen to local needs and help transform shared commitments into lasting results. On this Día del Cooperante, we celebrate their dedication and the work of all Spanish cooperantes contributing to a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future. Thank you, Alfonso and Flavia, for your commitment to the Philippines and for being part of the Spanish Cooperation community! Please watch the video using the link below: https://www.facebook.com/AECIDPhilippines/posts/pfbid02e22UpEgcRfmYFrhjQqYVa3YC46BbpHSt441dWEF687K3wJGMAVj83ZnwURB4iYJRl

Día del Cooperante | Spanish cooperation on the ground in the Philippines As we kick off our Día del Cooperante campaign today, we celebrate the Spanish cooperantes who work alongside communities, build partnerships across borders, and turn solidarity into action. In the Philippines, this commitment is embodied by the team of Cruz Roja Española, led by Maider Zabala, Country Representative for the Philippines, together with Spanish cooperantes Leticia Davara and Vito Chimienti, Livelihoods Delegates. With the support of AECID, they are part of a longstanding partnership that has brought Spanish cooperation closer to communities across the Philippines. Over the years, AECID and Cruz Roja Española have supported initiatives spanning humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection, and women’s empowerment. From emergency response to long-term resilience Cruz Roja Española’s work goes beyond responding to disasters. Through AECID-supported initiatives, communities are strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, women’s leadership, and environmental protection. In Zamboanga, for example, initiatives have supported green and circular entrepreneurship, improved waste management, coastal ecosystem protection, and women’s participation in community action. But behind every project are people. Maider, Leticia, Vito, and the many Spanish cooperantes who have worked in the Philippines represent the human face of Spanish cooperation. Their work is about listening, learning, building trust, and working hand in hand with local partners to create lasting change. Because cooperation is not something done for communities—it is something built with them. On this Día del Cooperante, we thank Maider, Leticia, Vito, and all Spanish cooperantes and development workers working to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. ¡Feliz Día del Cooperante! Thank you for building bridges, strengthening partnerships, and turning solidarity into action. Please watch the video using the link below: https://www.facebook.com/AECIDPhilippines/posts/pfbid026iQcFeaLSgomstTJGiR4mFhfmAPCEkueFpC8jyUr9wdseJC7pbk7SDSDiAyicqH1l #DíaDelCooperante #CooperaciónEspañola #AECID #CruzRojaEspañola #SpanishCooperation #Philippines

As we mark Día del Cooperante, we celebrate the Spanish cooperants and development workers whose dedication, solidarity, and expertise contribute to sustainable development and meaningful change in communities across the Philippines. This year, we shine a special light on the Spanish NGO Network of the Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines and the people working alongside local partners and communities to create lasting change. Thank you for your commitment and tireless work! ¡Feliz Día del Cooperante! #DíaDelCooperante #AECID #CooperaciónEspañola #SpanishCooperation #DevelopmentCooperation #Philippines

Mr. Francisco Quesada, Acting Head of Cooperation of the Spanish Cooperation in the Philippines, represented the Spanish Cooperation and the Embassy of Spain at the Southeast Asia Regional Conference on Child Poverty: From Measurement to Policy and Action, held on 5–6 August 2026 in Manila. Co-organized by UNICEF and the Philippines' Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), the conference brought together government leaders, researchers, development partners, and social policy experts from across Southeast Asia to discuss how evidence on child poverty can be translated into effective policies and action. As a longstanding partner of UNICEF and DEPDev in the Philippines, AECID reaffirmed its commitment to reducing multidimensional child poverty through stronger social policies, evidence-based decision-making, and regional cooperation. The conference provided a valuable platform to exchange experiences, showcase innovative approaches, and strengthen partnerships to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Representatives from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), from both its Headquarters in Spain and its Philippines Office in Manila, visited project sites in the Municipality of Maluso, Basilan as part of their mission under the Modelling Inter-LGU Alliance in Basilan (MILAB) Project, implemented by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) since 2017 with AECID support. During the visit, the delegation toured key MILAB-supported facilities in Maluso, including the Community Radio Station, the Coastal Resources Development and Training Center (Dive Center), and the Bottled Sardines Enterprise Development Facility. Through dialogues with beneficiaries, Alliance Management Office personnel, and WBA leaders, the mission provided an opportunity to see firsthand how the project has helped strengthen livelihoods and promote sustainable local economic development in Western Basilan. The visit also brought together AECID, IAG, and leaders of the Western Basilan Alliance (WBA), reaffirming their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to advancing peace and development in Basilan. Building on the gains of previous initiatives, AECID and IAG are also launching a new intervention to further strengthen the alliance through a Shared Service Facility for the fishery and seafood industry.

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.