Throughout the year, Global Seed Savers Philippines enhanced community-based seed systems through Community Learning and Awareness on Seed Sovereignty (CLASS) sessions, seed sovereignty forums, seed schools, implementing our seed inventory and tracking system (SITS), and hosting various learning exchanges. These spaces went beyond just skills and tools; they served as platforms for connection, where farmer-trainer advocates and seed-saving communities learned from each other and grew together. Seed exchanges boosted diversity, while co-created knowledge platforms on seed care and soil health built confidence and community ownership.

Our Seed Sanctuaries in Bogo and Tublay continued to grow as living systems, demonstrating that resilient seed work can thrive across upland, rural, urban, and coastal communities. Seed library boxes proved both empowering and disaster-resilient, sustaining household seed saving even during earthquakes and successive typhoons, quiet yet powerful affirmations of locally grounded systems.

Partnerships also deepened and expanded in meaningful ways. From our first collaboration with a cooperative entity to strengthened engagement with LGUs, NGOs, and advocacy networks, 2025 showed that shared values lead to shared action. In moments of crisis, solidarity guided our response. Post-disaster cash assistance to affected communities was made possible with the support of Fastenaktion and local partners. We reaffirmed that seed sovereignty is inseparable from dignity, care, and survival, especially in times of uncertainty.

Perhaps most importantly, this year strengthened our organized seed saving communities. Farmers and partners became confident promoters of seed sovereignty, Indigenous knowledge and practices were affirmed, and awareness of seed rights deepened. Our collective efforts also clarified the distinct purposes of seed libraries, seed banks, and seed sanctuaries, bringing coherence to practice and direction to advocacy. This year also sees our first venture into publishing the first Seed Catalogue. Thanks to the Institute of Crop Science (ICROPS), our partner from the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the GSSP team. Of course, gratitude goes to our benefactors and donors like Conservation Food and Health Foundation, The Bawa N. Mallick Foundation, Fastenaktion, Naturland, and VHC, and all supporters across our global ecosystem. As we move forward, we carry the lessons of 2025: transformation takes time, seeds grow best when nurtured together, and sovereignty begins at the community level. This year, we did something powerful. We proved that seed sovereignty is not just an idea; it’s a lived practice. 

Thank you for journeying with us.

Hal Atienza
Executive Director
Global Seed Savers Philippines