PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. is a community-based organization focused on climate resilience, environmental protection, and public action shaped by the experience of Typhoon Yolanda.
PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. is a community-based organization focused on climate resilience and environmental protection. Established after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, our work begins in Tacloban City.
We aim to build Tacloban as a model of climate resilience, setting a standard that can guide other communities. Through environmental restoration, disaster preparedness, and policy advocacy, we turn this vision into action.
We believe real change happens when communities are informed, involved, and empowered.
The PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. logo represents our commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, and community empowerment.
The water droplet symbolizes life and our connection to vital ecosystems such as watersheds and coastal areas. The leaf at its center reflects growth, sustainability, and our dedication to ecological restoration.
Green represents nature and sustainable development, while blue signifies trust, transparency, and our advocacy for water conservation and disaster preparedness.
Together, these elements express our vision of communities and nature working in harmony: resilient, empowered, and prepared for the future.
Leading PH Haiyan with a civic, environmental, and resilience-centered vision for Tacloban and Eastern Visayas.
CEO, PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc.
Pete L. Ilagan helped shape PH Haiyan from a citizen-led response into a long-view climate resilience advocacy rooted in Tacloban.
As a survivor of Super Typhoon Haiyan and a long-time conservation advocate, he pushed for practical environmental rehabilitation when local climate-response plans were still missing.
His leadership helped gather professionals, advocates, and community partners around a shared goal: building systems that make Tacloban and Eastern Visayas more prepared for future climate threats.
These statements define the organization's present responsibility and the future it is working to help shape.
"Overcoming climate threats by building resilient interdependent systems in Tacloban City and across Eastern Visayas, Philippines."
"A future where Tacloban City stands as a model for climate resilience and climate-smart development in the Philippines."
PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. was established in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, one of the strongest typhoons ever to make landfall in recorded history. With winds exceeding 300 km/h and a powerful storm surge, it devastated large parts of Eastern Visayas, with Tacloban City at the center of destruction.
Surrounded by water on three sides, Tacloban was overwhelmed by massive flooding. Thousands of lives were lost, homes were destroyed, and entire communities were wiped out. The scale of devastation drew global attention, bringing international media, humanitarian aid, and scientific experts. Many warned that because of climate change, such extreme weather events could become the new normal.
Amid this reality, Pete L. Ilagan, a survivor and long-time environmental advocate, recognized the urgent need for action. Upon engaging with local authorities, he found that there were no clear plans for environmental rehabilitation or climate resilience.
Determined to respond, he brought together fellow survivors, professionals, and advocates from various sectors, including academe, law, health, and faith-based groups. With the support of experts such as Eulito V. Casas Jr., a core group was formed, united by a shared mission to build safer, more resilient communities.
In 2015, the organization was formally established as an advocacy cooperative and registered with the Cooperative Development Authority. At present, PH Haiyan Advocacy Inc. remains committed to transforming Tacloban into a model city for climate resilience by strengthening environmental protection, disaster preparedness, and community capacity in the face of a changing climate.
Tacloban City has become a symbol of both vulnerability and resilience after Typhoon Haiyan. The disaster revealed the urgent need for practical, science-based solutions to climate risks.
Climate resilience means building communities that are prepared, adaptive, and sustainable, able to withstand and recover from storms, flooding, and rising seas.
PH Haiyan Advocacy envisions Tacloban as a model for climate resilience. We work with communities, experts, and government to promote sustainable solutions, resilient infrastructure, and a culture of preparedness.
By setting this example, we aim to inspire other vulnerable communities, because no city should endure the same level of devastation again.
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, partner, or simply learn more, there is room to stand with PH Haiyan in building safer and more prepared communities.