Eastern Visayas is endowed with rich biodiversity, which serves as a primary source of food and income for local communities. However, the region’s biodiversity and the quality of ecosystem services it provides are adversely affected by reckless anthropogenic activities and destructive natural hazards. The conversion of forest resources to human settlements, irresponsible waste disposal and mining activities, and unsustainable farming and fishing practices, among others, cause biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, with adverse consequences for the economy and the quality of life in local communities.

Hisgut Kalibungan, which means “environmental discussion”, is an online project of the Leyte-Samar Heritage Center of UP Visayas Tacloban College that aims to contribute to the collective effort of saving the world from irreversible ecological destruction. More specifically, Hisgut Kalibungan aims to raise awareness and develop a critical understanding of urgent environmental issues and concerns in Eastern Visayas. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among concerned institutions and communities, Hisgut Kalibungan seeks to assist in the formulation of appropriate policy initiatives for environmental conservation and sustainable development in Eastern Visayas.