BAGUIO CITY – Various Baguio-Benguet urban gardeners took part in a Seed Sharing and Exchange activity on March 4, 2025, in celebration of National Women’s Month which emphasized the significance of seed saving, organic farming, and community-driven sustainability initiatives.
Women participants shared their methods in seed preservation and the stories behind the seeds they contributed, fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.
Dr. Aida Pagtan, Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS), shared that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has been promoting seed-sharing initiatives for the past two years. She recounted how she had seen two individuals from non-government organizations pioneering seed sharing and seed bulking in Tublay, inspiring the DA to strengthen such programs.
DA Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Dr. Arlene Sagayo, encouraged participants to invite friends to future exchanges and to share the seeds they receive, fostering a culture of generosity and sustainability.
Connecting the activity to Women’s Month, Dr. Sagayo shared words of wisdom from an empowered mother: “Love yourself and be proud that you are a woman. If you love yourself, your surroundings will brighten. Always be thankful and grateful. Be thankful even for the simplest things. Always be positive, let us not be dismayed because we can overcome it.”
Longtime gardener Carole Domiclong recounted her journey in seed saving, which began in 1997 in Balacbac. Her first seeds were violet seeds from London. Initially, she relied on her mother-in-law for seeds, but when asked why she continuously needed to request seeds, she resolved to start saving her own. She shared her method of thoroughly drying seeds and storing them in a chiller.
Amelia Montes brought Giant Patani, Bangloan Patani, and Velvet Beans to the exchange. She recounted how she received the Giant Patani during the previous year’s exchange, successfully growing a plant from just two seeds and harvesting enough to share. She also noted that Bangloan Patani emits a fragrant aroma when cooked while still undried. Moreover, she shared her story of the Velvet Bean, a legume roasted and brewed into coffee in her home province of Data, Sabangan, Mountain Province.
Letty Bisco, another dedicated seed saver, discussed the near loss of her Native Pigeon Pea from her garden. Fortunately, fellow gardeners who attended past seed exchanges preserved some seeds, allowing her to replant. Through the Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS), she has exchanged and distributed seeds to friends and other groups. She detailed her preservation techniques using 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨 or ashes, placing them in jars to protect seeds from pests. “We are organic. We do not use chemicals, so we use our own native ways,” she emphasized. She also noted that the best time to store seeds is from November to March due to lower humidity and minimal rainfall.
Margarita Joseph shared her experience with Magic Beans, a variety she originally received from Ms. Carole three years ago. Instead of consuming the first two harvests, she carefully saved and replanted them, eventually sharing and selling excess seeds to fellow urban gardeners. She also recalled obtaining cherry tomatoes during the launch of the Smart Greenhouse at the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), diligently cultivating them ever since.
She highlighted the importance of soil quality, stating, “Even though the seeds you want to plant are nice and good, if our soil is not, then they will not prosper. Even if you plant large, high-quality varieties, but do not properly care for them, they will not thrive.”
Like Bisco, she also used 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨 or tobacco for seed storage and reminded gardeners never to store seeds that are not fully dry.
BPI Program Coordinator Divina Jose provided essential seed storage tips. She advised participants to allow fully dried seeds to cool off before packing them to prevent moisture buildup. She also stressed the importance of labeling seeds with harvest dates and variety names. She cautioned against freezing seeds, explaining that moisture accumulation could damage them. Instead, she recommended airtight containers, and limiting exposure to air by minimizing the frequency of container openings.
The seed-sharing activity not only strengthened the community’s commitment to sustainable gardening but also fostered camaraderie among urban gardeners. As they exchanged seeds and knowledge, they cultivated resilience, self-sufficiency, and empowerment. This event was a fitting tribute to National Women’s Month, recognizing that seed keepers are generally women who possess the knowledge to preserve and store seeds. It is hoped that the practice of seed sharing will continue to thrive, fostering even greater collaboration and abundance. By Alyssa Dawn Alalag
