Leyte Communities Take Action to Protect Peatlands and Sustain Livelihoods

Alangalang, Leyte — September 3–4, 2025 — Local communities in Leyte participated in a two-day Peatland Conservation and Sustainability Workshop, organized by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) Leyte team in partnership with Visayas State University, Alangalang campus, held at Wild Wild Pigs, Barangay Divisoria, Alangalang.

Peatlands play a critical role in climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and water security, providing vital ecosystem services for communities that depend on these areas. The workshop explored strategies for sustainable livelihoods and community-led environmental action while highlighting the importance of conserving these fragile ecosystems.

A total of nine People’s Organizations (POs) from San Miguel, Alangalang, and Santa Fe participated. During interactive sessions, participants shared local initiatives, exchanged ideas, and discussed ways to promote peatland conservation alongside their livelihood activities. 

The workshop also provided a platform for collaboration among communities and local government units, emphasizing that collective effort is key to long-term stewardship.

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