Eastern Visayas has long been recognized as one of the most-climate vulnerable regions in the country. Frequently affected by the impacts of typhoons and other climate-related hazards, the communities have consistently shown their resilience..
But beyond its impact on people, the climate crisis also threatens the region’s rich ecosystem and biodiversity. In turn, Eastern Visayas communities are taking action, ensuring that their localities are able to adapt and become resilient to the impacts of the changing climate.
Generating local knowledge to support climate science and community resilience
Representatives from local government units, academic institutions, community organizations, and the youth from across the region gathered for the Eastern Visayas Climate and Biodiversity Forum in Palo, Leyte on July 22, 2026. Organized by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), the forum served as a platform for dialogues and knowledge sharing to strengthen regional climate resilience and biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.
In his opening remarks, ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz emphasized that climate solutions should be evidence-based, locally-driven, and participatory, where communities can take the lead in environmental management and climate action. “Habang patuloy nating nararamdaman ang impacts ng climate change, mas nagiging malinaw rin na hindi dapat magkahiwalay ang diskusyon ng climate change at biodiversity conservation,” he said.
(As we continue to experience the impacts of climate change, it becomes clearer that climate change and biodiversity should not be discussed separately.)
“Collaboration with our LGUs, who are at the frontlines of climate action, our regional line agencies who provide technical expertise, our friends from the academe who support our initiatives with data-driven research and evidence, the youth who continue to spark change, and our civil society organizations and community partners who have always been advocating for environmental stewardship are crucial in creating a resilient and sustainable future for our communities,” dela Cruz added.
The Climate and Biodiversity Forum put locally-led initiatives on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and citizen science front and center, highlighting how these efforts can strengthen local planning and climate finance resource mobilization, ecosystem management, and climate adaptation across coastal and upland communities in Eastern Visayas.
“Climate science is highly technical, but it is an integral part of climate action. Actions should be science- and evidence-based, and should be locally driven. The region can capitalize on local initiatives such as biodiversity conservation given that Eastern Visayas is home to our largest forests and marine protected areas––all of which provide food and ecosystem services to our communities,” said Lourdes Tibig, ICSC’s Climate Science Advisor in her keynote address.
Echoing the call for science-based and locally-driven climate action, an important segment of the Climate and Biodiversity Forum featured the presentation of findings of research studies ICSC co-developed with partner universities and communities in the region, with a particular focus on Samar Island.
Several of the studies examined the island’s forests and mangrove ecosystems, measured green and blue carbon stocks, documented its biodiversity, evaluated the effectiveness of community-based forest management initiatives, and used a participatory 3D mapping to identify disaster risk areas.
Dr. Damasa Magvale-Macandog, retired professor from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and co-author of some of the studies launched, stressed that biodiversity is not simply an environmental asset, but should be treated as a national infrastructure that supports climate adaptation and sustainable development.
“Mainstreaming biodiversity is about strengthening the connections between existing biodiversity and climate frameworks so that ecosystem conservation becomes a fundamental strategy for achieving climate resilience and sustainable development,” she said.
Protecting natural resources, safeguarding ecosystems
“Biodiversity conservation is more successful when we include our communities because when they know the value of the conservation, they would be more willing to help.”
This was emphasized by Engr. Ma. Myla Corales, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of Paranas, Samar during the panel discussion on biodiversity governance during the Forum. This can already be witnessed in communities in Eastern Visayas, among which would be the Bantay Dagat (sea wardens), who have also contributed to the featured research studies.
Bantay Dagat are community-based volunteer organizations working with local governments across the Philippines to protect oceans and marine resources from illegal and harmful activities. As part of the Enhanced Mangrove Ecosystem Protection and Restoration for Growth and Empowerment in Samar Island (EMERGE) Project, ICSC works with Bantay Dagat organizations ––Samahan ng Bantay Dagat ng SUNGOBA (Sulangan, Ngolos, and Baras) nga Nagkakaurusa (SBDSAN) in Guiuan, Eastern Samar and the Seguinon Fisherfolk Association in Salcedo, Eastern Samar ––aiming to improve the management of 311 hectares of mangrove ecosystems in both localities.
Following the Eastern Visayas Climate and Biodiversity Forum, ICSC officially handed over patrol equipment (specifically: pump boats, life jackets, uniforms, binoculars, first aid kits, tablets, and GPS trackers) to SBDSAN and the Seguinon Fisherfolk Association on July 23, which will be utilized in conducting regular coastal and mangrove patrols and protecting critical mangrove ecosystems in Barangay Baras, Guiuan and Barangay Seguinon, Salcedo.
The turnover ceremonies were signified by a deed of donation signing between ICSC, through Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, and Samahan ng Bantay Dagat ng SUNGOBA (Sulangan, Ngolos, and Baras) Vice President Catalino Lagramada, and Seguinon Fisherfolk Association, represented by President Roger Fabillar. Local government representatives from Guiuan and Salcedo were also present as witnesses.
“This is not just a donation, it is a profound recognition of your sacrifices. Ito ay patunay na hindi kayo nag-iisa sa inyong laban. Katunayan ito ng pagkakaisa upang mas mapalakas pa ang pagbabantay ng ating baybayin, karagatan, at mga bakhawan,” said Floriano Bagro Jr., member of the Guiuan Sangguniang Bayan, signifying the local government’s commitment to support Bantay Dagat’s lead in protecting their marine ecosystems.
(This proves that you are not alone in this fight. This signifies our collaboration towards strengthening the protection of our shores, oceans, and mangroves.)
“Pagdating sa usaping climate action, maraming teknikal na bagong kaalaman, maraming technical terms na sinasabi yung experts, pero kritikal dun ay yung pakikipagtrabaho namin sa inyo,” said Executive Director dela Cruz during the turnover ceremony in Barangay Baras.
(When talking about climate action, there are many scientific findings and learnings, many technical terms spoken by experts, but what is critical is the work we are doing with you.)
Both initiatives, while they differ in approach, prove that academic research and community practices are not disparate issues. In fact, they are complementary. Scientific evidence is not limited to technical papers and reports, local knowledge is just as important, and local communities are significant in defining biodiversity conservation efforts that exactly fit their needs. Climate action is indeed the most impactful when local leaders and communities are at the forefront.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The EMERGE Project is organized under the Tropical Forest Conservation Fund II (TCFII) of the Forest Foundation Philippines. This two-year initiative aims to build community-led mangrove conservation and restoration efforts in targeted areas of Eastern Samar. The project also seeks to establish eco-tourism initiatives that will support the livelihoods of the local fisherfolk in the area.
