Leyte Farmers Receive Peat-Sourced Catfish and Tilapia to Boost Conservation and Livelihoods

Leyte, Philippines (December 6, 2025) — Communities in the Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland are taking steps to conserve native fish species and strengthen local aquaculture, promoting biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

On October 24, 2025, the IIRR Leyte Aquadapt Team, in collaboration with Visayas State University – Tolosa (VSU–Tolosa), conducted a Refresher Session on the Distribution and Management of Peat-Sourced Native Catfish and Tilapia Fingerlings. The session was attended by Municipal Agriculturists Mr. Cesar Anade and Mr. Nilo Labajoy (Alangalang LGU), Ms. Nizandel A. Rupa (MENRO, Santa Fe LGU), and local aquaculture farmers from peatland communities. The activity aimed to strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable management practices for native fish species in the peatland areas.

The VSU–Tolosa Freshwater Hatchery Technician facilitated on-site demonstrations and answered questions to enhance farmers’ technical knowledge and aquaculture practices. Eight peat-sourced tilapia farmers from Brgy. Gapas, Santa Fe received 500 tilapia fingerlings each, while farmers from Santa Fe and Alangalang received native catfish fingerlings ranging from 50 to 100 pieces to improve their aquaculture systems.

This milestone highlights the project’s advocacy for Nature-Based Climate Solutions (NbCS), linking peatland restoration with biodiversity conservation and climate-resilient livelihoods.

The initiative is part of the LUYON project, a four-year effort supported by REDAA to strengthen local stewardship through locally-led action research.