In Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, Juliet Duagey, an Indigenous Teduray teacher, found her voice beyond the classroom as she grew into a community leader.

Once hesitant to step forward, Juliet carried doubts about leadership.

“Bilang isang babaeng IP, grabe ang takot ko na maging leader dahil iniisip ko na baka hindi nila ako papakinggan.”

Through the Strengthening Inclusive Risk Governance for Disaster Resilience in Asia (SIDRRA) project, she gained confidence and realized that leadership can take root in everyday actions.

Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency through the International Rescue Committee, the SIDRRA project brings together consortium partners like Philippine Business for Social Progress to advance inclusive and climate-resilient disaster risk governance across the region. It also promotes multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that adaptation strategies are grounded in the realities of those most affected. By bridging policy and practice, the project helps local knowledge influence regional resilience agendas.

“Dahil sa mga training, na-realize ko na kaya ko palang mamuno at tumulong sa kapwa ko babae at nanay sa komunidad,” shared Juliet.

She began seeing how key community needs are all connected, particularly in disaster risk reduction, sanitation, and education. Now, she helps lead earthquake and fire drills that involve both students and parents, strengthening preparedness.

“Ngayon, kasama na namin ang mga magulang sa mga earthquake at fire drills. Natuto kaming magtulungan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat.”

Improvements such as a public toilet and a new classroom have made the school safer and more conducive to learning, while also serving as protection in times of disaster. Beyond the school, Juliet and fellow IP leaders helped bring essential services closer to the community like facilitating National ID and birth registration, and advocating for regular immunization visits in their sitios.

Juliet’s journey reflects a broader shift. It shows that when local voices are empowered, communities are better equipped to face climate and disaster risks. Through its collaborative approach, SIDRRA continues to create spaces where individuals like Juliet can lead, contribute, and inspire lasting change.