Hydrominds has started a new assignment supporting the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the Advancing Climate-Smart, Quality, Inclusive, and Resilient Education (ACQUIRE) in Philippines.  

The basic education system in the Philippines faces persistent low learning outcomes, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and increasing climate and disaster risks. To address these challenges, the ADB is supporting the government through the ACQUIRE initiative, which aims to strengthen the quality, relevance, and resilience of secondary education while preparing students for higher education and technical careers. 

As part of the project, hydrominds conducts a comprehensive climate risk assessment (CRA). The CRA will examine the exposure and vulnerability of project components and the broader education system, including social vulnerabilities and impacts on marginalized groups. Hydrominds will also identify and evaluate adaptation options, review relevant national and sectoral policies, and provide recommendations for climate-resilient infrastructure and low-carbon project development. 

In February, hydrominds joined a field mission in Manila with a multidisciplinary team from the ADB. The mission included high-level meetings with key stakeholders, including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Several site visits were conducted to the Philippine Science High School System and Senior High Schools to assess the condition of school facilities and laboratories. Consultations with faculty members and students were also held to better understand the exposure and vulnerability of the education system to climate risks. 

For this work hydrominds applies its profound expertise in climate risk to connect climate science with sustainable infrastructure, helping build resilient education sector.