BAGUIO CITY – As part of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Week celebration, a heartfelt seed sharing activity brought together farmers, gardeners, and advocates of seed saving from various areas of the BLISTT (Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay), Kapangan, Tabuk City and Pangasinan last April 8 at the DA-ATI CAR grounds.
Seed sharing in the Cordilleras is more than just an agricultural activity, it is a reflection of the regions’s deep-rooted culture of solidarity and mutual support. This tradition, passed down through generations, embodies the indigenous value of binnadang, a communal practice where neighbors help one another in times of need.
By exchanging seeds, farmers not only ensure crop diversity and resilience but also strengthen community ties and preserve heirloom varieties that carry with them stories, memories and cultural identity.
Though commercialization and modern farming practices have affected traditional seed systems, the spirit of seed sharing remains alive in many Cordilleran communities.
Dr. Aida Pagtan started the activity by welcomed the participants and acknowledged the effort of everyone who came, especially those who traveled long distances to be part of the activity. She highlighted that seed sharing is not a new practice. “Even my own mother used to do it,” she recalled. “If she wanted to plant something and didn’t have seeds, she would get some from our neighbor and pay through barter perhaps offering other seeds in return.”
Carole Domiclong shared how her journey into seed saving began. “I used to always ask for seeds,” she said. “But one day, I was asked why I kept borrowing. That question stuck with me, and from then on, I committed to saving my own.” Her collection includes yellow beans that add uniqueness to her garden and make her seed contributions more valuable during exchanges. She emphasized the importance of growing something different to spark interest and preserve biodiversity.
Another inspiring voice was Amelia Montes, who proudly brought tawa-tawa lettuce, beans, and velvet beans to the event. Her story of discovering tawa-tawa known for its medicinal properties, especially for dengue patients while riding a jeepney and later propagating it at home, exemplifies the value of curiosity and community health. “People didn’t know what tawa-tawa seeds looked like,” she said, “so I’m sharing it now.”
She also shared pole beans originally given by Eladio Lapicto and passed down through family and neighbors, proving how seeds carry stories as much as sustenance. Her Velvet Bean, roasted and brewed like coffee in her hometown in Data, Sabangan, and the crunchy lettuce seeds from CVAO were also passed along with gratitude and purpose.
Connie Sotero’s roots in seed saving go back to her childhood. Raised by farmer parents, she learned to store seeds above their kitchen’s cooking area. Her native flowering pechay funded her education, while the native green amaranth continues to help her support her children’s schooling. She also brought white corn, violet and alno beans, and pigeon peas all inherited from her grandparents. “We’re working with Global Seed Savers,” she said, “and every member has a seed library at home. We’re even building a seed catalogue for our municipality so that we can trace the origin of the seeds being saved.”
Mercedes Balinggan, whose farm once operated as an agri-tourism destination, lamented the setback caused by a legal environmental order but remained proud of her rich biodiversity. “We have more than 10 species of bamboo, cherry guava, Spanish tomato, and even indigenous fruits like gooseberry. The passion fruit, planted by my father, continues to flourish,” she said.
Cristina Tolero from Tuba echoed the essence of community. “I grew up exchanging seeds,” she said, sharing how local beautification contests led to community gardening and seed exchanges in Tuba. Her mulberry seeds and dombeya plants are now part of a broader vision to make Tuba a model for village tourism.
This gathering wasn’t just about seeds it was about stories, traditions, and the deep-rooted belief in sharing as a way to build stronger, self-sufficient communities. The seed sharing activity wasn’t just about exchanging crops it was a reflection of resilience, generosity, and hope. The event reminded everyone that seeds, much like stories, are meant to be passed on nurtured not just in soil, but in hearts. By Alyssa Dawn Alalag
