Thelma A. Cinco

As a pioneering climatologist and meteorologist with over 39 years of experience, Thelma A. Cinco has been at the forefront of the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. She is widely recognized for her leadership in climate modeling, impact-based forecasting, and the integration of scientific research into national and local policies.

One of her most significant contributions is her role as the Project Leader of the Philippines’ first Green Climate Fund (GCF) project, the Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System Project. This groundbreaking initiative transforms the way the country prepares for disasters—shifting from traditional hazard-based forecasting to an impact-based approach that helps communities take early action based on predicted risks. Under her leadership, the project has:

• Developed innovative early warning systems that do not just forecast typhoons or floods but also predict their impacts on communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
• Bridged the gap between science and action by ensuring that climate forecasts are understandable and actionable for local governments and vulnerable populations.
• Strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration, integrating scientific expertise with community-based resilience efforts.

This project is a landmark achievement for the Philippines, positioning the country as a global leader in impact-based forecasting and anticipatory disaster response.

A Woman in Science: Leading Climate Action and Innovation

Ms. Cinco is breaking barriers in a field where leadership positions are still largely dominated by men. She sees the challenges women face—not just in representation, but in accessing leadership opportunities and funding for scientific research. However, she also sees these challenges as opportunities to drive change:

• Mentoring young female scientists and advocating for stronger female representation in climate research.
• Promoting gender-responsive climate policies that ensure disaster risk reduction efforts address the unique vulnerabilities of women and marginalized groups.
• Strengthening collaboration between science, policy, and local communities, ensuring that disaster preparedness efforts are inclusive and equitable.

Women in STEM are not just participants—we are leaders, decision-makers, and innovators. The future of climate resilience depends on diversity, and I am committed to ensuring that the voices of women are at the forefront of scientific advancements.

Through her leadership, expertise, and advocacy, Ms. Thelma A. Cinco is not only forecasting the future—she is shaping it.

Feature Article Format

Transforming Disaster Preparedness: How Thelma Cinco is Leading the Philippines’ First Green Climate Fund Project

In a country where typhoons, floods, and extreme weather events are a constant threat, having accurate and actionable climate information is crucial. Thelma A. Cinco, MPA, a leading climatologist and Weather Services Chief at DOST-PAGASA, is making history by leading the Philippines’ first Green Climate Fund (GCF) project—the Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System Project.

For decades, the Philippines relied on hazard-based forecasts, which provided information on the likelihood of a storm or flood but lacked crucial details on how these hazards would affect communities. Under Ms. Cinco’s leadership, this GCF-funded project revolutionizes disaster preparedness by shifting towards impact-based forecasting—an approach that helps communities, policymakers, and responders anticipate the consequences of extreme weather events and take action before disaster strikes.

Bridging Science and Action

Ms. Cinco’s expertise in climate modeling and disaster risk reduction has been instrumental in ensuring that this project is not just a scientific endeavor but a life-saving initiative. Through her leadership, the project has:

• Developed localized, high-resolution climate impact assessments to help local governments plan more effectively.
• Enhanced early warning systems that provide communities with specific, actionable guidance on what to do when extreme weather threatens.
• Strengthened disaster risk reduction policies, integrating climate science into national and local decision-making.

Traditional forecasts tell us what the weather will be. Impact-based forecasting tells us what the weather will do—and that is what saves lives.

A Leader in Climate Science and Gender Inclusivity

As the Project Leader of the first GCF initiative in the Philippines, Ms. Cinco is breaking ground not only in climate science but also in gender representation in STEM. She recognizes that while women play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation, they are still underrepresented in leadership positions in science and policymaking.

That’s why, alongside her scientific work, she is a strong advocate for gender inclusivity in the field. Through mentorship programs, capacity-building initiatives, and policy advocacy, she is ensuring that more women step into leadership roles in climate science and disaster management.

Women have always been at the frontlines of disaster response—whether as scientists, policymakers, or community leaders. It’s time we recognize their contributions and ensure that their voices shape the future of climate resilience.

With her groundbreaking work in impact-based forecasting, her leadership in the country’s first GCF project, and her unwavering commitment to gender inclusivity, Thelma A. Cinco is not just a scientist—she is a changemaker.