Alangalang, Leyte Youth Group Wins Nearly ₱2 Million in Global Climate Innovation Award

Alangalang Lingganay Performing Arts (ALPA) of Alangalang, Leyte, has been named one of the 50 global winners of the 2026 Youth4Climate Call for Solutions, earning US$30,000 (nearly ₱2 million) for its innovative project that transforms textile waste into sustainable construction materials. ADD APTIKONS ON GOOGLE

ALANGALANG, Leyte, Philippines — The Alangalang Lingganay Performing Arts (ALPA) has brought international recognition to the Philippines after being selected as one of the 50 global winners of the 2026 Youth4Climate Call for Solutions, earning nearly ₱2 million (US$30,000) to support its climate innovation project.

Out of more than 2,200 eligible applications submitted worldwide, ALPA was among the selected winners, representing the Philippines in the international initiative. The recognition was formally received in Rome, Italy, by Jan Kairel Cabalona Guillermo, ALPA Inc. co-founder; Diodel Quemado, research lead; and Jastene Kim Juntila Abud, a senior member of the organization.

The group’s winning project, “Waste to Wear, Waste to Build,” aims to transform discarded textiles into sustainable construction materials, including tiles and wall cladding. The initiative seeks to reduce textile waste while creating opportunities for green skills development, local livelihoods, and greater youth participation in the circular economy.

Through the project, ALPA hopes to demonstrate how materials commonly thrown away can be repurposed into useful products that support environmental sustainability and community development. By combining waste reduction with practical innovation, the initiative aims to encourage young people to participate in developing solutions to climate and environmental challenges.

The project is set to be implemented in Alangalang, Leyte, as part of ALPA’s broader vision of establishing a community-based Sustainability and Cultural Hub. The proposed initiative aims to provide young people with practical opportunities to explore sustainable practices, develop skills, and contribute to environmental protection while preserving local culture.

For 15 years, ALPA has worked to preserve cultural heritage, empower young people, and create opportunities within the community. What began as a youth group united by a shared passion for dance and culture has grown into an organization now gaining recognition for its contribution to climate innovation.

The achievement also highlights the role of collaboration in advancing community-based environmental initiatives. According to the organization, support from the BAYO Foundation and Race to Net Zero Philippines (RtNZ) helped bring the project to the international stage, strengthening its focus on sustainable fashion, circular innovation, and climate action.

ALPA’s international recognition places Alangalang, Leyte, among the Philippine communities represented in a global youth-led effort to address environmental challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The initiative demonstrates how local organizations can connect cultural advocacy, youth empowerment, and environmental responsibility to develop ideas with potential benefits for both communities and the planet.

Source: Courtesy of Alangalang Lingganay Performing Arts (ALPA)