Philippine Social Empowerment and Equity Development Foundation (PhilSEED) Inc. is a pioneering nonprofit organization committed to the economic and social upliftment of farmers in the Philippines and their communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships. Its mission is to empower farmers by providing them access to expertise, capital, technology and partnerships. PhilSEED envisions an agricultural system in the Philippines that is sustainable, equitable, innovative and resilient.
Based on the data and insights gathered at this stage of the project, several promising assumptions can be made. First, the rehabilitation of abandoned and unproductive cacao farms in Zamboanga Sibugay, estimated at 1,350 hectares according to agency reports, presents a viable and scalable model for poverty alleviation. By restoring these farms, farmers gain a stable source of income while revitalizing local agricultural activity. Second, cacao farmers possess untapped earning potential through farm expansion, as most program participants have an additional 2–3 hectares of land available for cultivation. Scaling up farm activities could lead to a substantial increase in income. Finally, optimizing yields through better farming practices and improved harvest quality is critical. Current income levels are derived from suboptimal outputs below industry standards, demonstrating the significant potential for productivity and profitability once farms are fully rehabilitated.
🌼🌱 #PhilSEED#Balangay#Sibugay#Farmers#Cacao#ADFI#Sustainability#Guinoman#Diplahan#Zamboanga#Chocolates#SocialInnovation#Poverty#PovertyAlleviation#SocialEntrepeneurship#Climate#Resiliency#Community#SDG#ESG#SocialImpact#Philippines#Australia#Farming#EquitableFarming#Community#ASEAN#Agriculture#Innovation#ResilientFarming
The farmers did it in just 5 months!
In May, we began working with farmers to rehabilitate abandoned and unproductive cacao farms in five more villages in Zamboanga Sibugay. This is part of an expansion program of our Guinoman project, aimed at validating the initial results generated in the pilot community.
Two days ago, we celebrated the first group harvest, and it was inspiring to witness the fruits of their hard work after only a few months of dedicated rehabilitation. While the harvest is still small, it signals a promising future for these farmers and their families.
One farmer earned over Php2,600 from less than 20 trees that produced fruit during this harvest.
At PhilSEED, we are committed to a “farmers-first policy,” ensuring that farmers generate the most value from their hard work throughout the value chain.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners, especially our funding partner, Assisi Development Foundation, Inc., for making this project possible.
We look forward to sharing more success stories from our cacao farming communities! 🇵🇭
#PhilSEED#Farmers#Poverty#Cacao#PhilippineCacao#ADFI#PovertyAlleviation#Resiliency#SDGs#Philippines#Farming#EquitableFarming#Community#ASEAN#Agriculture#Innovation#ResilientFarming
Behind the cacao rehabilitation project in Zamboanga Sibugay are many individuals and organizations who generously offered their financial resource, time, network, and expertise. One of these organizations is the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF), led by President and CEO Benjamin David Abadiano.
Yesterday, we were thrilled to offer their partners and employees a taste of premium hot chocolate—truly #ATasteOfSibugay. Maraming salamat to the entire ADF team, especially to you, Stef San!
We would also like to thank and recognize the entire PhilSEED program team, headed by Program Manager Romeo Jr Bulalla Ayyong, Finance Manager Jerry Mae Maghinay, Agri Technician Aian Casihan, Program Associate Marynelle Pasco Samonte, Farm Associates Jasper Barrido Rocamora and Jay-ar, and to our lead farmers in all 6 barangays.
Special thanks to all the board members, advisory board members, and the management team, especially Dr. Anton Mari H. Lim, Peach Buencamino, Dalareich Polot, Marie Joyce Go-Lim, and Noah Scherbach.
A big thank you also to our friends in the Zamboanga Peninsula who have been incredibly supportive of this project: Gov. Ann Hofer and her team, Bro W. Dada, Wez Sayson and his team, and Ernie Castillo.
Thanks also to the program partners such as the Balangay Limited, the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, especially the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), DTI-9, and Dalareich Chocolate House for the incredible support given to the program.
Above all, thank you to all the cacao farmers who are part of this program. We are proud of each and every one of you!
The journey ahead is still long, but we’ve already come so far!
Padayon! 🇵🇭
🌼🌱 #PhilSEED#Balangay#Sibugay#Farmers#Cacao#ADFI#Sustainability#Guinoman#Diplahan#Zamboanga#Chocolates#SocialInnovation#Poverty#PovertyAlleviation#SocialEntrepeneurship#Climate#Resiliency#Community#SDG#ESG#SocialImpact#Philippines#Australia#Farming#EquitableFarming#Community#ASEAN#Agriculture#Innovation
