Diwata – Women In Resource Development, Inc. (Diwata), celebrated its 10th Anniversary on 18 July 2023 with a cocktail reception at the Ayala Museum, the same venue where it was launched on Nelson Mandela Day in 2012. Despite being unable to hold in-person activities during the pandemic, the organization chose to mark its 10th anniversary this year.
Diwata is a non-government organization that promotes responsible development of the Philippines’ wealth in resources, particularly in extractive industries like mining, oil and gas, and quarrying. Since its founding, the organization has provided a platform for promoting responsible resource development and protecting land and communities, particularly indigenous people. The flagship project, “Tanging Tanglaw: Turning IP Grandmothers into Solar Engineers,” focuses on improving livelihood, health, education, and culture for indigenous people. Diwata was founded by Ambassador Delia Domingo Albert, a former Philippine diplomat and Special Envoy for Mining.
Ambassador Albert recounts that, “challenged by the slackening situation” in the mining industry, she decided to re-group the former members of the Minerals Development Council. Since the initial meeting was attended mainly by women professionals from the industry who worked as geologists, mining engineers, lawyers, communication officers and in other mining-related professions, she was inspired to form an all-women organization that will provide a “human face” to the mining industry by focusing on projects to help indigenous women in mining and other areas. The group decided to call the organization “Diwata” after the mythical guardians and goddesses of the mountains.
The anniversary event was well attended by members of the diplomatic corps, mining executives, and “Friends of Diwata”, among many others. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, was the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker for the evening.
Secretary Loyzaga highlighted the impact of climate change on mining operations and women in communities. Women are often the most vulnerable to environmental changes, and their multiple social roles can lead to intersectionality of vulnerabilities. She emphasized the importance of women’s unique perspectives and experiences in mineral exploration. Groups like Diwata can drive integrity, innovation, efficiency, safety measures, and promote sustainable practices in mining. The intersectionality of vulnerability also creates opportunities for incremental shifts towards resilience, resulting in multiple positive benefits.
Diwata’s Founding President, Atty. Patricia A. O. Bunye, presented Diwata’s “10-year Achievements, Milestones and Looking Ahead,” highlighting significant activities and projects. These include educational fora, media engagement, visits to mines, and geoscience training for high school teachers. The Tanging Tanglaw Project began in 2014 when Diwata, with partners the Philippine Mine Safety & Environment Association and the Land Rover Club of the Philippines, sent a batch of ‘Solar Lolas’ to India to learn how to assemble, repair, and maintain solar panels. The training was made possible through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC).
Diwata received a USAID Energy Secure Philippines grant on March 8, 2023, for the Tanging Tanglaw Project. The grant will enable the said organization to advance the project’s next phases, including studying water needs, installing solar-powered pumps, training Solar Lolas, funding educational programs, and replicating the project in other communities. The grant will be implemented over two years, with Diwata working under USAID ESP’s guidance to leave a lasting positive impact on the community.
