Supporting Filipinos since 1990
Building Self-Reliant Communities
through People's Initiatives
WHAT WE DO
The Peoples Development Institute (PDI) is an NGO propelled by a vision to pursue asset reform and rural development by building and strengthening local organizations that will serve as effective partners in addressing related social, economic, and political concerns.
what is Asset Reform framework
Asset reform is equal to people's participation (PP), which involves Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Economic Support Services (ESS) involving the delivery of livelihood support plus Social Infrastructure Building (SIB). However, ARB/IP stakeholders must be conscious of and vigilant about the Vested Interest (Vi) of any individual and government organizations, NGOs and even POs.
Watch this video to learn more about PDI
its key components
LAND TENURE IMPROVEMENT
ECONOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING
NEWS AND Features
Understanding Communities’ Experiences with Climate Change The Peoples Development Institute (PDI) conducted a Climate Change Survey to gather community experiences and identify the challenges they face due to changing weather patterns and climate-related hazards. The survey aims to better understand the effects of climate change on local livelihoods and identify community needs to help guide appropriate adaptation and resilience measures. Through this initiative, PDI continues to support communities in building their capacity to prepare for climate risks and protect their livelihoods for a more resilient future. � #PeoplesDevelopmentInstitute #ClimateChange #ClimateResilience #CommunityDevelopment #ClimateAction
Strengthening the Rights and Voices of Filipino Fisherfolk This September, the Peoples Development Institute (PDI), with the support of human rights advocate Ms. Cookie Diokno and in partnership with BIGKIS ng mga Mangingisda, conducted the Validation Workshop of the Magna Carta for Fisherfolk. The workshop gathered fisherfolk’s insights, experiences, and recommendations to help strengthen proposed measures that protect their rights, livelihoods, and welfare. ✊ By bringing fisherfolk’s voices into the process, the workshop contributes to a more inclusive and responsive Magna Carta—one that reflects the real challenges of fishing communities and supports their fight for a fairer, more secure, and […]
Strengthening Community Capacity Through Legal Documentation Last September, a 2-day Legal Writing and Documentation Seminar-Workshop for Fisherfolk, Farmers, and Indigenous Peoples was conducted in partnership with the Peoples Development Institute (PDI) and the Environmental Justice Clinic of the UP College of Law. The seminar-workshop focused on practical legal writing and documentation skills that community leaders and advocates can use to document community issues, prepare affidavits and other legal documents, and navigate legal processes. For fisherfolk, these skills are especially important in documenting threats and violations affecting their fishing grounds, livelihoods, and fishing rights, and in properly recording incidents and concerns […]
Standing Together for Environmental Justice September 11, 2026 | St. Joseph Formation Center, Balanga City, Bataan A meaningful day of sharing, listening, and planning with local residents, Aeta community members, advocates, and partners at our Environmental Justice Workshop in Balanga, Bataan. Led by the Peoples Development Institute (PDI), together with ML Party-list, Monsignor Hizon Jr. of St. Joseph Cathedral, the LGU of Balanga City, and the Panlalawigang Asosasyon ng mga Aeta sa Bataan (PANABAT), the gathering gave communities a space to share their experiences and talk about the environmental concerns affecting them .We also took time to assess the situation […]
A 2016 tribunal ruled that China's fishing restrictions at Scarborough Shoal were unlawful
Local fishermen say they have been harassed by Chinese vessels near the shoal
Tribunal decision helped Philippines gain international support
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — On July 7, three days after returning from a fishing trip near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), fisherman Christopher de Vera had little good news to share
Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Sighted in the West Philippine Sea Date: July 2026 Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were recently documented operating in the West Philippine Sea during a monitoring activity. The vessels were observed navigating within the area while Philippine civilian observers continued to document maritime developments. These sightings underscore the continuing importance of independent maritime monitoring, accurate documentation, and the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino fisherfolk who rely on the West Philippine Sea for their livelihood. Organizations working with coastal communities continue to encourage peaceful observation, proper documentation, and adherence to international law while […]
After the Philippines filed the landmark arbitration case against China on Jan. 22, 2013, China’s propagandists went overdrive on a public relations campaign, raising two issues to discredit the arbitration. First, the Philippines brought the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which is not a court. Second, any arbitration case against China could not proceed without the consent of China. Both the Philippines and China have ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and are bound by its provisions.
From Learning to Action: Community Paralegal Training Conclusion A meaningful day of learning, reflection, and solidarity as we concluded the Community Paralegal Training and Post-Training Program at the University of the Philippines Diliman facilitated by the UP Institute of Human Rights and Peoples Development Institute. Participants from different sectors — farmers, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), fisherfolk, women, and community advocates — came together to deepen their understanding of human rights and access to justice, while sharing the realities and struggles faced by their communities. The training may have ended, but the work continues as our community paralegals bring what they learned […]
Empowering Indigenous Communities through Knowledge and Unity On April 18, 2026, community members from different tribal communities in Bataan gathered at Sitio Kinaragan, Brgy. Duale, Limay, Bataan for a meaningful Training on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) facilitated by the UP Institute of Human Rights and Peoples Development Institute. The session strengthened awareness on indigenous rights, ancestral domain, and the importance of collective action in protecting cultural heritage. Participants actively engaged in discussions and proudly received their certificates of attendance—marking not just the end of a training, but the beginning of stronger advocacy. This initiative reflects the power of […]
Strengthening collaboration and shared vision Earlier today, our team gathered for an Outcome and Impact Orientation: Assessment & Planning session. The discussion brought together diverse insights, experiences, and perspectives as we worked collectively to evaluate our current initiatives and map out strategic directions moving forward. Through open dialogue and thoughtful reflection, we reaffirmed our commitment to creating meaningful, community-driven impact. Every voice in the room contributed to shaping more responsive and inclusive programs for the communities we serve. This session is a reminder that real change begins with collaboration, careful planning, and a shared purpose. #AssessmentAndPlanning#CommunityDevelopment#CollectiveAction#ImpactDriven
Luzon Fishers Step Up as Frontline Defenders of the West Philippine Sea In the coastal communities of Luzon, fisherfolk are taking on a role that goes far beyond livelihood—they are becoming frontline defenders of the West Philippine Sea. From sunrise to nightfall, local fishers brave uncertain waters not only to provide for their families but also to safeguard the country’s maritime domain. In areas like Zambales, their daily routines now include heightened awareness of territorial challenges, as they continue to navigate waters that have long sustained their communities. Many of these fishers have volunteered to support coastal monitoring initiatives, working […]
� PUBLIC STATEMENT � Several Aeta communities in Mount Pantingan, Bataan have united to express their collective concern over ongoing and proposed activities within their Ancestral Lands. For generations, these lands have sustained their way of life and remain deeply rooted in their cultural identity and traditions. The communities report that activities such as mining and exploration pose serious risks to the environment, including deforestation, soil instability, and threats to local biodiversity—placing both nature and livelihoods in danger. ⚠️ The united Aeta communities emphasize:All projects must strictly adhere to existing laws, especially the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), and must […]
Consultation on the Proposed Magna Carta for Fisherfolk Stakeholders convened today at the Ambion Room, UP College of Law in UP Diliman, Quezon City, for a meaningful dialogue on the proposed Magna Carta for Fisherfolk. Led by the Peoples Development Institute and the UP Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (IMLOS), the consultation gathered experts, community leaders, and policymakers to exchange insights and recommendations on advancing the rights and welfare of fisherfolk across the country. The discussion highlighted the importance of grounding the proposed measure in the real experiences of coastal communities. By shaping policies that reflect […]
Recent Changes in FPIC in the Philippines Recent discussions have highlighted possible changes in the implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Philippines. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is reviewing current guidelines to improve how consultations with Indigenous communities are conducted for projects that may affect their ancestral domains. Many Indigenous leaders and advocacy groups are calling for stronger transparency and meaningful participation during this process. They stress that any revisions must continue to uphold the protections provided under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, which recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples to decide on […]
Inquirer Report – PH fishers on Chinese bullying: ‘Babawiin ko’ The Philippine Daily Inquirer released an article discussing the impact of the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on local Filipino fisherfolk. Delfin Egana, chief among them, faced the brunt of Chinese Aggression. In 2017, Delfin Egana had his fishing equipment confiscated in a violent altercation between him and Chinese militia, leading to his severe trauma and subsequent strokes. Not only that, Fishermen report being forced to walk barefoot on coral reefs, causing injuries. Delfin is not the only one who has experienced […]
HOUSE WILL PROBE ALLEGED VIOLATION OF FISHERMEN RIGHTS The Manila Times reported that the House shall begin a probe to look into the alleged violation of Human Rights by Chinese entities, specifically the Chinese Militia and the Navy around our territorial waters. As stated by Bigkis fishermen in a letter to Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr.: “As there is much public discussion about Chinese incursion into the West Philippine Sea…, we in the Peoples Development Institute and the Bigkis ng Mangingisda Federation would like to draw your attention and that of the Committee on Human Rights… to another […]
OUR PREVIOUS
AND CURRENT PROGRAMS
the stl program Welcome what is the program? The proposed intervention recognizes that while progress has been made in securing Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADTs), a significant number of ancestral and land claims remain unresolved and continue to face varying stages of administrative, legal, and institutional processes. Under the EPIC SEED initiative, the project aims to support indigenous peoples’ and peasants’ organizations in Central Luzon and Northern Palawan in advancing their land tenure rights. This includes facilitating the completion of targeted CADT applications and supporting the processing of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) for identified landholdings. […]
the epic-seed program Welcome what is the program? The EPIC-SEED program is aimed at helping build the rural economy for the benefit of the basic sectors – the peasants and IPs. It follows a holistic approach to ensure land tenure security by integrating value chain of the small economic enterprise development loop. The value chain starts from financing to production, to processing and marketing. Peasants and IPs must integrate their farming activities backward to their supply sources and forward to downstream markets. In order to do this, it is necessary to empower the POs to manage collective community-based enterprises. […]
Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) Welcome what is the program? The implementation of the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) started in 2013 with financial assistance from the Bread for the World and local counterpart contributions from the Angping Development Foundation for Education (ADFE). The IRDP Program underwent an impact evaluation last May 2016 and was deemed to be successful. KEY COMPONENTS LAND TENURE IMPROVEMENT The goal of land tenure improvement is composed of two major reform areas: Agrarian Reform focused on agricultural lands under CARP Ancestral Domain Lands under the IPRA ECONOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES Simply giving farmers and indigenous […]
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