Who we are

Our Mission

Liyang is a local to global advocacy network that amplifies the calls to action of grassroots communities in the Philippines.

We started in the Philippines at the request of Lumad indigenous communities in Mindanao who wanted a network to bring together their allies from the Philippines and beyond to help promote their calls to action.

In 2020, we expanded our advocacy work to include land and environmental defenders and other grassroots communities throughout the country.

Liyang’s advocacy work aims to:

• Promote and learn from indigenous and local practices on environmental protection and sustainability, gender and development, agroecology, and other related work through research, seminars, and exchange programs

• Establish linkages with professional networks, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and advocacy groups in the Philippines and internationally

• Support partner communities through education, health services and livelihood programs.

Our Vision

Liyang Network envisions a future where all communities can pursue their economic, social, and cultural development free from exploitation. We believe that applying the particular knowledge developed by grassroots communities in the Philippines is essential to realizing this vision. As members of the local and international community, we understand that all struggles for environmental protection are interconnected and that global movements for the defense of land and self-determination can draw inspiration from the struggles in the Philippines.