Strengthening Ties with KABILIN Farmers in Negros Oriental

Strengthening Ties with KABILIN Farmers in Negros Oriental

Jul 21, 2025 | Activities, Farmer Features, Newsletters, Other Partners, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

We reconnected with our dedicated seed saving partners from KABILIN in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental. This visit was rooted in three goals: to validate the group’s action plans from the last Seed School 2 (SS2) session, tag their designated seed production farm, and align on priorities for 2025.

During the visit, we were inspired to hear that members had already planted seeds in their gardens and even more excited to learn that some have already harvested and sold their produce! As part of our continued partnership, we also identified eight household recipients for Seed Library Boxes, further reinforcing the group’s commitment to seed sovereignty and household resilience.

The group agreed to continue the Seed School 2 training and officially sign our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in August, an important step toward formalizing the partnership and mutual responsibilities.

We are committed to farmer-led partnerships that are grounded in shared action and accountability, and we look forward to continued collaboration with KABILIN and hope to deepen our impact together through clear and committed next steps. Thank you to the members at KABILIN for your engagement and commitment to seed sovereignty!

MOA Signing, Seed Library Distribution, and SITS Orientation with IBSS in Bayawan City

MOA Signing, Seed Library Distribution, and SITS Orientation with IBSS in Bayawan City

Jul 21, 2025 | Activities, Farmer Features, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Projects, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Together with the Indigenous Bayawan Seed Savers (IBSS) and the Office of the City Agriculturist of Bayawan City, we gathered in the community of Bollos, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. The day marked three important activities: the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the distribution of Home-Based (HH) Seed Library Boxes and toolkits, and an orientation on the Seed Inventory Tracking System (SITS).

Although only a portion of the IBSS members were recipients of the seed libraries and toolkits, the orientation on SITS was attended by all members. The system is designed to help document seed distribution, germination, and exchange which are practices that are often underreported yet crucial for strengthening local seed access. The discussion was also an opportunity for members to learn how monitoring systems can support their community’s long-term seed-saving goals.

One of the key points raised during the meeting came from City Agriculturist Sir Ken, who expressed support for the IBSS and acknowledged their potential in supplying organic seeds for Bayawan. His input also affirmed the importance of including both seed recipients and non-recipients in capacity-building sessions. The activities helped set a collaborative tone for planning future work in the area and reinforced the value of collective seed stewardship in building food sovereignty from the ground up highlighting our community-driven work!