ALANGALANG, Leyte — A local performing arts group has brought immense pride to the Philippines after securing nearly ₱2 million in funding at a prestigious global climate competition in Rome, Italy. The group’s innovative environmental project successfully captured international attention.
Triumph on the Global Stage
Alangalang Lingganay Performing Arts (ALPA) was named among the 50 global winners of the 2026 Youth4Climate Call for Solutions. Selected from more than 2,200 eligible applications worldwide, the group stood out. They formally received the recognition during an awarding ceremony in Rome, Italy.
The initiative, co-led by the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Italy, provides $30,000 in project funding. This highlights the vital role of young innovators in addressing pressing climate challenges across the globe.
Representing the organization were Jan Kairel Cabalona Guillermo, Diodel Quemado, and Jastene Kim Juntila Abud. They traveled to Italy to receive the award, carrying the hopes and dreams of their hometown.
Transforming Waste into Wearables and Structures
The winning project, "Waste to Wear, Waste to Build," transforms discarded textiles into sustainable construction materials like tiles and wall cladding. This creative approach diverts waste from landfills and provides eco-friendly alternatives for the building sector.
Beyond creating eco-friendly materials, the initiative focuses on green skills development and local livelihood creation. It successfully promotes circular economy practices in the heart of Leyte, empowering local communities and providing new economic opportunities for the youth.
Where Art Meets Climate Advocacy
Jan Kairel Cabalona Guillermo, Co-Founder of ALPA Inc., stated that creatives must challenge the perception that artists live in their own world. They have a responsibility to actively address the climate crisis affecting their communities.
Fellow Co-Founder Kristel Lind Cabalona emphasized that preserving Filipino culture is intrinsically linked to protecting the environment. Our dances and traditions are deeply rooted in nature, which is now increasingly threatened by the climate crisis.
The organization believes that the climate crisis directly threatens the cultural fabric of the Philippines. By protecting the land and waters, they are ensuring that future generations can continue to practice their ancestral traditions.
A Fifteen-Year Journey of Community Empowerment
For 15 years, ALPA has preserved cultural heritage and empowered young people. The group plans to establish a Sustainability and Cultural Hub in Alangalang, providing a dedicated space for developing practical environmental solutions.
The achievement was made possible through collaborations with BAYO Foundation and Race to Net Zero Philippines. Their expertise in sustainable fashion and climate action helped bring this groundbreaking proposal to the international stage.
Fifteen years ago, ALPA started as a simple group of young people united by their love for dance. Today, they have transformed into climate innovators, proving that grassroots organizations from small towns can make a massive global impact.
