Philippines DENR confirms second peatland in Leyte

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has confirmed a second peatland in Leyte, bringing the national total to 28. The newly identified site covers approximately 168.34 hectares in Barangays Barayong and Campetik, Palo.

Soil sampling conducted by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) showed organic matter content ranging from 10.84 percent to 33.70 percent, with a mean of 21.83 percent. These results meet the organic matter criteria for peatlands under the Ramsar Convention. However, the DENR noted that further validation is required to meet all national classification criteria under DENR Administrative Order No. 2022-06.

In related environmental efforts, the DENR has also focused on ecosystem restoration to mitigate the effects of El Niño. This includes a cleanup operation in Pampanga that removed over 98,000 kilograms of solid waste from river channels and tributaries feeding Manila Bay. These measures aim to maintain water movement and utilize wetlands and peatlands as natural buffers against extreme heat and flooding.