PhilSEED

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

There is a 90% demand-supply gap in cacao beans in the Philippine local market. PhilSEED ‘s cacao rehabilitation program, together with its stakeholders, is pleased to see that it is beginning to empower local chocolate makers using the harvests from the program’s beneficiary communities. In the video below, Dalareich Chocolate House roasts sustainably sourced beans from the program’s adopted farms in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Region IX, Philippines. 🌼🌱 #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

We are excited to share that all six of our assisted cacao farming communities in Zamboanga Sibugay have begun harvesting following a successful rehabilitation effort. Farmers are now earning a weekly income, with some bringing in between Php 2,500 and Php 4,300 per week from beans sold at Php 100 per kilo (wet weight). There is still room for improvement, and we look forward to seeing even greater harvests, higher yields, and better bean quality as we continue to work alongside these dedicated farmers. We hope this progress will inspire other farmers with abandoned or unproductive farms to return to nurturing their land. It’s essential that we support our farmers and restore the value they rightfully deserve through a “farmers-first” approach. 🌼🌱 #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

In the Philippines, there remains a significant gap in agricultural data. At PhilSEED, we recognize the crucial role data plays in guiding effective interventions and making informed decisions. From the outset of our first community initiative, our team has been intentional about data collection and validation, even as we handle these processes manually at this stage. Soon, we will launch an Integrated Farming System (IFS) to enhance implementation, monitoring, and impact evaluation. #AgriTech #Innovation #PhilSEED #Farmers #Poverty #Cacao #PhilippineCacao #ADFI #PovertyAlleviation #Resilience #SDGs #Philippines #Farming #EquitableFarming #Community #ASEAN #Agriculture #Innovation #ResilientFarming

Trees are tagged and all data recorded. Example: October 26, 2024 Farm Code: G-F1 Activity: Harvesting T52 - 10 pods Data help farmers and other stakeholders observe trends and forecast productivity, including implement intervention initiatives on farms. #PhilSEED #Farmers #Poverty #Cacao #PhilippineCacao #ADFI #PovertyAlleviation #Resilience #SDGs #Philippines #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

The PhilSEED Center for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PCSIE) in Zamboanga Sibugay has steadily established its Agricultural Research and Learning Site, starting with coconuts intercropped with cacao. PhilSEED is eager and excited for this center to become a hub for innovation and a breeding ground for social problem solvers in Region 9. Kudos to the PCSIE Team headed by our resident Agri Technician Aian Casihan and the community farmers🌱 #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

The newly planted cacao seedlings would not have survived the Chinese Rose Beetle infestation without the swift action of our agri-technician, Aian, and farm associate, Jay-ar. Just two weeks after planting, the beetles swarmed the PCSIE farm in Gomotoc, leaving the seedlings' leaves stripped and skeletal. In response, Aian quickly formulated a Herbal Organic Concentrate (HOC), a botanical pesticide or plant-based pest repellent, to protect the crops. Thanks to their efforts, the seedlings have not only survived but are now recovering well, with new, healthy leaves sprouting. In a future post, we will share how to make your own HOC to manage pests on your farm.🌱 #PhilSEED #Farmers #Cacao #Chocolates #Poverty #AustralianGovernmentDepartmentOfForeignAffairsAndTrade #Balangay #ADFI #PovertyAlleviation #Resiliency #Community #SDGs #Philippines #Farming #EquitableFarming #Community #ASEAN #Agriculture #Innovation #ResilientFarming

The cacao farmers thank the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for funding the planting of 8,000 cacao seedlings across 10 hectares of land in Brgy. Guinoman, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay. In two years, this area will help boost cacao production in Brgy. Guinoman, providing new cacao farmers with an opportunity to increase their family incomes. This project is a collaboration between PhilSEED, Balangay Limited and the Australian Government🇦🇺🇵🇭. 🌼🌱 #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