Panaad Ha Sinirangan - AYEJ Leyte

27/11/2025

𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥— 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦

The backbone of Luzon, Sierra Madre, has recently risen to the spotlight after Typhoon Uwan wreaked havoc on the country; the mountain range is hailed as one of the guardians of the region, a protector against disasters. After Typhoon Uwan brought heavy rains and strong winds everywhere—leaving destruction in his wake, tributes of gratitude spread through social media for Sierra Madre’s bringing the typhoon to its knees.

via Khean Inciso | PHS Features
Layout by Helbert Jaima | PHS Creatives

13/11/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐝 𝐇𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐉-𝐋𝐞𝐲𝐭𝐞 had the opportunity at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, to present to hundred communicators nationwide the accomplishments of our Environmental Journalism Hub and its future plans for promoting and assisting in the preservation of what keeps us alive.

Three unique series were delivered by our hub communication officer, Rasheed Luke Abordo, and our liaison officer, Ricardo Todio Jr.

The Eastern Visayas' Green Warriors, Sine Panaad and Lakaton.

Beyond only being a stunning location, Leyte has rich stories and biodiversity that contribute to the things we need to preserve, which is what Panaad promises to do. Saad ha amon. Saad namon.

11/11/2025

𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗥 | 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗽𝘀𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝟯𝟬

The Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), better known as the COP, is the annual checkpoint of each party to the UNFCCC where each nation assesses global progress in dealing with climate change, particularly those in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) set out by the 2016 Paris Agreement. COP30 is the 30th such meeting, happening at Belem, Brazil, this November 10-21, 2025.

And as citizens of a nation already suffering the effects of climate change, the negotiations at COP30 are not only relevant to our quality of life; it’s a matter of survival.

The unfortunate reality is that, although developing countries like the Philippines barely make a dent in global carbon emissions, it is countries such as ours that continue to find themselves at the highest risk of the climate catastrophe’s worst effects. This was proven just recently by the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino—a storm that brought back the tragic, all-too-real memories of Haiyan (Yolanda) together with Typhoon Uwan, with more similar typhoons threatening to drown the country for good.

And yet, provisions stated in the NDC’s of the Paris Agreement still demand large cutbacks to global emissions for developing countries like us, which while certainly helpful in the fight against climate change, serves as a double-edged sword for indigenous attempts to improve quality of life, as opposed to those in countries which have already finished industrialization.

In this, the COP30 represents a chance for the Philippines to finally demand a sense of justice. This isn't just about amending emission goals; it's about accountability. A key battleground will be the Loss and Damage Fund—a mechanism designed to pay for the irreversible impacts we are already suffering. The Philippines is not just a participant; we are the host of the Fund's Board, placing us at the very center of the fight for climate justice. The demand for "larger investments" isn't a plea for aid; it's a call to finance the solutions we are already building, from our expanding renewable energy auctions to community-led mangrove restoration. We need support to scale these, not to start from scratch.

With these, the world shall eagerly await the results of the upcoming Conference of Parties. It will judge the contributions of every party to the Paris Agreement, and every initiative laid out to delay the inevitable. We, the millions who are already feeling the effects of the climate catastrophe, will finally get the chance to delay the apocalypse.

And if our pleas don’t end up falling on deaf ears, maybe we’ll even survive it. But survival is just the baseline; we are fighting for our right to a future.

via Sean Marcus Valle-David | PHS Features

08/11/2025

𝟭𝟮 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔

Today, November 8, marks 12 years since Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) pushed our nation to its limits.

Filipinos who survived Yolanda still feel a quiet fear whenever a storm forms—but they also carry the lessons learned to keep their communities safe.

We remember Yolanda not just through statistics, but through the people whose lives were forever changed. The ₱89.59 billion in damages, the 6,268 lives lost, and the 1,061 still missing are not numbers. They are names, faces, and stories that continue to shape how we prepare for every disaster.

Yolanda taught us a harsh truth: natural calamities can take lives in hours. But years after, another disaster kills far more quietly—corruption. It weakens disaster response, drains resources meant for recovery, and leaves communities exposed long before a storm even makes landfall.

We cannot stay silent. We must demand honesty, transparency, and accountability from every leader who swears to keep our people safe.

As we honor those we lost, let us commit to a future where no community is left vulnerable—whether to nature’s force or to the failures of those in power.



Words by Jennifer Pading | PHS Features
Graphics by Justine Kim Diomangay | PHS Creatives

07/11/2025

𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗔𝗗 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗱

Super Typhoon Yolanda caused devastation that permanently altered Tacloban twelve years ago tomorrow. Residents of Barangay 83 still remember how the mangrove trees slowed the waves and saved many lives when Cancabato Bay's 20-foot storm surge hit.

Without seeking attention or recognition, the mangroves did what nature was meant to do — protect. They served as the community’s first line of defense against storms in the past and continue to do so today.

Yolanda's rage was twelve years ago, yet the call for protection remains unanswered. The best approach to pay tribute to its memories is not just to remember it, but also to take action by safeguarding the roots that once shielded us.

View the scenes from San Jose’s Paraiso Mangrove Eco-Learning Park, reminding us that helping these mangroves grow is the real path to resilience.

Words by Ricardo Todio Jr. | PHS Features
Produced by Rasheed Luke Abordo | PHS Multimedia
In partnership with Cyrus John Delloro | Cinematographer, Hexawgon Productions

05/11/2025

💧 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗦 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘: 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲

Cebu and Leyte are reeling from the devastation of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) — a storm that claimed more than 60 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands across the Visayas. Entire towns were submerged, homes washed away, and communities left struggling to recover after days of relentless rain and flooding.
Now, more than ever, our Visayan brothers and sisters need our help.
Join us in extending compassion and solidarity through the One Visayas Donation Drive, an initiative for the victims of Typhoon Tino in Cebu and Leyte.
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻-𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.
Let’s rise together — One Visayas!

--

As the Environmental Journalism Hub in Leyte—one of the provinces most affected by —we stand with our fellow EJ Hubs in the AYEJ network in extending aid to our communities. At this moment, Leyte is not alone. Gikan-AYEJ Bicol, Lunhaw-AYEJ CDO, OJAS-AYEJ Zamboanga, and Lulos-AYEJ Malolos stand in solidarity with us in helping our fellow Leyteños rise again from this environmental disaster.

Because our duty as environmental journalists goes beyond caring for the environment—it also means caring for the people who live within it.

💧 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗬𝗔𝗦 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘: 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲

Cebu and Leyte are reeling from the devastation of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) — a storm that claimed more than 60 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands across the Visayas. Entire towns were submerged, homes washed away, and communities left struggling to recover after days of relentless rain and flooding.

Now, more than ever, our Visayan brothers and sisters need our help.

Join us in extending compassion and solidarity through the One Visayas Donation Drive, an initiative for the victims of Typhoon Tino in Cebu and Leyte.

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻-𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.

Let’s rise together — One Visayas!

—

The 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 is a collective initiative of environmental journalism hubs under the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ), namely Gikan-AYEJ Bicol, Lunhaw-AYEJ CDO, Panahaad ha Sinirangan-AYEJ Leyte, Ojas-AYEJ Zamboanga, and Lulos-AYEJ Malolos. This initiative reflects our commitment to solutions journalism — telling stories that go beyond despair, focusing not on glorifying resilience, but on examining concrete responses, community efforts, and pathways toward recovery and accountability.

03/11/2025

𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗕𝗶𝘁𝘀 | 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘆: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘀

Cancabato Bay was once a rich breeding ground for life, with its mangroves serving as a protective barrier for the surrounding community during Super Typhoon Yolanda's storm surge.

However, the swelling tide of the Tacloban City Causeway Project continues to hush the voices of fishermen, the aquatic ecosystem, and the sea itself.

For the promise of progress, balance between nature and those who follow its rhythm gradually fades.

Story by Marielle Hernali | PHS Features
Photos by Ton Sierolf Cairo | PHS Multimedia
Layout by Rasheed Luke Abordo | PHS Creatives

With photos courtesy of Cyrus John Delloro

03/11/2025

𝗡𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱

As approaches, please remember to shelter your animal companions from the rain and keep them out of possible harm.

Not just your cats and dogs-do consider your birds, chickens, ducks, cows, and carabaos as well. The rain does not discriminate on species and breeds, they will all equally be cold, scared, and hungry.

Secure them in a warm and dry area where they are safe from the cold and distress. Make sure that they have access to their food and clean water.

When the possibility of a flood is apparent, please ensure that they are at a safe level away from being submerged in the water or drowning.

If you must evacuate, please take them with you. They will be confused and scared if left alone in such distressing weather.

If taking them with you is not a safe or viable option during evacuation, then please remember to release them from their leash and let them out of their cages and coops. So that they may be able to seek shelter and safety on their own.

Words by Khean Andrea Inciso | PHS Features
Layout by Roxette Romo | PHS Multimedia

03/11/2025

#𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗣𝗛 | 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲

While Severe Tropical Storm (KALMAEGI) is still approaching the islands of Visayas, here are the things that 'you' need to prepare and the hotlines 'you' need to take note of ahead of its landfall.

And while preparing, you may monitor official updates from 𝗣𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗔, 𝗡𝗗𝗥𝗥𝗠𝗖, and your local government, and follow evacuation advisories if necessary.

via Christian Dugos and Rasheed Luke Abordo | PHS Creatives

02/11/2025

𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧-𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞: #𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗣𝗛 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮

𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠: Severe Tropical Storm (KALMAEGI) is similar to Super Typhoon Yolanda (HAIYAN) in track, origin, direction, and potential impact.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: FALSE

𝗪𝗛𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧-𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗗: A Facebook post from an account named “Ma Roda”—which has 2.5k followers—claimed that the Severe Tropical Storm closely resembles Super Typhoon Yolanda in terms of track, origin, direction, and area of impact. This post has gained 63 comments and 8.5k shares as of writing.

The caption reads: “Typhoon ‘Tino’ which is almost had the similarities Typhoon Yolanda–the track, origin/approach, direction, and area of impact which is Central Philippines (Visayas Region).”

The claim directly implies that could be as destructive as Yolanda, causing concern among netizens and highlighting the need to clarify the facts.

𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦
• 𝗦𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬: PAGASA Weather Services Chief Engr. Al Quiblat clarified that the similarity is only in the general direction, not in its strength. is not expected to reach the intensity of Yolanda.

• #𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗣𝗛, 𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗦: As of 11:00 PM, PAGASA reports that continues to intensify but remains a Severe Tropical Storm (STS). Its' current projections has not reached typhoon strength, but according to PAGASA’s latest press briefing, it is likely to undergo rapid intensification within the next 48 hours.

• #𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗣𝗛 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: Engr. Quiblat explained that the storm’s trajectory may still shift north or south in the coming days. The public is encouraged to monitor official updates from DOST-PAGASA.

• 𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗔 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗡: Current projections show no indicators that will reach a super typhoon category. However, authorities still advise maintaining a high level of preparedness.

Misinformation like this can cause unnecessary panic and confusion. Always verify storm updates and warnings from official sources such as DOST-PAGASA and local DRRM offices before sharing or reacting to social media posts.

𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘮: 𝘈 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 #𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘗𝘏 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.

𝘜𝘗𝘋𝘈𝘛𝘌: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯.

via Jennifer Pading | PHS Features
Photo Courtesy of Ma Roda

01/11/2025

𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗡 | 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱…

The Green Beat Caravan finally reaches its destination, the Close-Out Conference at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).

From Luzon to Mindanao, 12 Green Beat Scouts have proudly represented their regions and showcased the inspiring work of their respective Environmental Journalism Hubs.

This culminating event—organized by the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ) in partnership with the Philippine Association of Communication Educators (PACE) for its 50th Anniversary—brings together storytellers, educators, and changemakers for one meaningful close.

To wrap up this journey, here’s Dexter for another episode of LAKATON.

Words by Ricardo Todio Jr. | PHS Features
Produced by Dexter Ilustre | PHS Multimedia

30/10/2025

𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲'𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗮

Around 70% to 80% of Earth's biodiversity belongs to the world's megadiverse countries; regions of our world possessing high diversity of flora and fauna, and high frequency of species that can only be found in the country.

The Philippines belongs to this category, having over 100,000 animal species, and 500 of which can only be found in the country's eighteen regions. Uniquely, these species are housed in the Philippines' 7,641 islands.

Among its diverse species are the Philippine Eagle, the country's national bird, and the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox, one of the world's largest bats, both of which are endemic to the Philippines and can be found in Region VIII, particularly in the Province of Leyte.

However, these fauna are classified as "at risk" of global extinction and belong to a catalog dubbed the "Red List" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

If populations of the Philippine Eagle and the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox continue to decline, they will soon join the other species that have gone extinct in the region, such as the Philippine Crocodile and the Visayan Spotted Deer.

Further, vulnerable endemic species in Leyte include the Philippine Leafbird, the Little Slaty Flycatcher, the Southern Rufous Hornbill, and the near-threatened Mindanao Flying Dragon, which could also be found in the region.

Over the years, the decline in the population of these local fauna has been attributed to the conversion of natural forests for agricultural land and poaching for the interest of animal collectors.

Their struggle to survive against these challenges is pressed further by the fact that these actions directly and indirectly influence climate change; now, these species also have to adapt and survive with the shifting climate.

In Region VIII, the effects of climate change manifest through frequent strong typhoons that cause intense flooding in already-degraded habitats.

Recently, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), along with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) and Visayas State University (VSU)-Alangalang, initiated efforts to support the restoration of the Leyte Sab-a Basin Peatland (LSBP) in Santa Fe, Leyte, which saw heavy agricultural land-use conversion by locals in the area.

This restoration involves nearby communities as active stakeholders to save the LSBP from future degradation and prioritize environmental conservation.

Past conversions of the peatland endangered the endemic fauna found in the basin, especially threatened species, such as the Blue-naped Parrot, Tokay Gecko, Samar Water Monitor, Southeast Asian Box Turtle, and the Philippine Tarsier.

Despite the LSBP's capability to create nutrient-rich layers by slowing the decomposition of organic matter, flora species in the area are at a decline, such as Shorea almon Foxw, Petersianthus quadrialatus Merr., and Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe.

Moreover, beyond its function as a habitat for plant and animal species, the peatland also absorbs carbon dioxide, a contributing factor to the increasing global heat, which drives up climate change.

The recent initiative to restore the peatland will not only reverse the damage to the habitats but also serve as a step to furthering climate action in Leyte, both for the benefit of endemic species and communities in Santa Fe who suffer the effects of the climate crisis.

Having such a high frequency of species that are unique in the region, Leyte should fear that these animals may vanish from our local ecosystems, and worse still, that we have a hand in their disappearance.

Including the protection of local fauna and recognizing the importance of endemic animals in Region VIII should be the trend. And while development of our communities remains a priority in Leyte, human activity has risked the survival of our species.

Even when we only see the decline of their population through numbers, their deaths also mean something to Leyte; that we may soon feel the effects of our actions, and these effects were felt by Leyte's endemic species first.

via Ton Sierolf Cairo and Rasheed Luke Abordo | PHS News
Photo courtesy of Forest Jarvis