Global Seed Savers recently partnered with Bayawan City’s Office of Farmers, Provincial Resources and Agriculture Bureau (OFPRAB) to host a transformative Community Learning and Awareness on Seed Sovereignty (CLASS) event. Held at the City Cooperative and Manpower Development Office, this event brought together 36 participants, with City Agriculturist Ken Artes leading the way. Mr. Artes emphasized the importance of supporting farmers to break free from dependence on seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture, allowing them greater autonomy over their crops and seed access. This message resonated strongly with participants, and by the end of the program, 20 individuals were inspired to continue their seed-saving journey by enrolling in Seed School 1.
The event marked an important step towards long-term seed sovereignty in Bayawan City. Mr. Artes laid out ambitious plans, including drafting an ordinance to establish seed libraries in every barangay and integrating seed-saving into existing farm schools, which are in partnership with DepEd.
The seed libraries will be placed in the Agricultural Development Centers, which serve as both production areas and educational hubs.
This forward-thinking approach will ensure that future generations, starting at the school level, learn the value of seed saving, creating a culture of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship among young Filipinos.
The lessons from this event highlighted how the culture of dependency fostered by the standardized purchasing of seeds has limited farmers’ autonomy and harmed the environment. Mr. Artes’ leadership demonstrates the vital role local government officials can play in supporting seed sovereignty and improving the living conditions of their communities. His proactive approach rekindles hope that government can indeed work for the people, and with GSS’ ongoing support, we are building a movement that prioritizes farmer justice, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of indigenous agricultural knowledge across the Philippines.
Bayawan
CA, Sr. Agriculturist & GSSP Team
City Agriculturist giving his welcoming remark
