Successful HASIK ("To Sow") Screening in Chicago and Program Updates | | CHICAGO PREMIERE OF HASIK ("TO SOW") | | |
Hello, Sherry!
We’re still feeling the energy from our Chicago screening of HASIK (“To Sow”), a powerful feature-length documentary film created by our recent Graduate Fellows Mandy Qua and Marissa Mejia, through their over year-long Princeton Reach Out Fellowship.
| | If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry, we hope to bring HASIK ("To Sow") to even more communities soon. | | Rooted in Purpose: Reflections from Our Board-Staff Fellowship in Cebu Last Month | | |
For three meaningful days in June, our Philippines Board and full Philippines team came together in Cebu for our annual Board-Staff Fellowship; a time to reconnect, realign, and root deeper into our shared mission of seed sovereignty.
The gathering included a deep dive into curriculum review, a successful board meeting, and visits to our Seed Sanctuary in Bogo and to one of our pillar seed savers and inspiring partners, Ate Butche in Catmon. We were nourished not just by her wisdom but by her lovingly prepared meals centered around heirloom kabog (millet), a powerful reminder of the deep ties between food, seed, and culture.
As our Philippines Executive Director, Hal Atienza, shared, “We are creating a common space for learning, reflection, and shared purpose… a time to reconnect, realign, and root deeper into our mission.”
| | For new Philippines board member Jessie Varquez, the experience offered an eye-opening look into the daily dedication behind our work: | | |
"The recently held GSSP staff-board fellowship in Cebu was truly an eye-opening experience. Although I had some ideas before accepting my new role as a Philippine board member, the fellowship gave me valuable and grounded insights to the important work GSSP is doing.
| | "I had the privilege of meeting Nanay Butche, a passionate farmer whose dedication to preserving their heirloom “kabog” (millet) crop is deeply inspiring. I also witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and hard work of GSSP staff members, particularly Harry and Ronald, who manage our Seed Sanctuary in Bogo. The highlight for me was the fellowship itself, expertly facilitated by Hal, who generously shared his experience and wisdom. All of these deepened my appreciation for GSS’s vital goal to achieve seed sovereignty. As we the Bisaya would say, padayon (carry on)!" | | | |
Spotlight on our Founder and CEO
in ShoutOut Colorado
| | We’re thrilled to share that our Founder and CEO, Sherry Manning was recently featured in ShoutOut Colorado, an online magazine highlighting change makers across the state. | |
In the article, Sherry reflects on the origins of Global Seed Savers, the evolution of our mission, and the incredible farmers, partners, and team members who make our work possible.
From one family farm to a growing network of over 5,000 farmers across the Philippines, this feature shines a light on the power of community-led solutions, climate resilience, and the importance of returning seed sovereignty to the hands of farmers.
As Sherry shared, “Just like seeds teach us to honor the past, the present, and the future, I am also reflecting on those three stages of our collective work at Global Seed Savers.”
🌱 Read the full feature here.
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BIG THANK YOU to the 73 generous and passionate donors who supported us during our Annual Campaign! Because of our supporters we raised $27,976 toward our $30,000 goal! Your gifts directly support seed saving education, seed library development, and community-led farming solutions across the Philippines.
As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, the Philippines faces rising threats from typhoons, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss. But with your support, we are restoring control to the hands of farmers and ensuring they can save, plant, and share seeds that are adapted to their land, culture, and climate.
Below is a thank you message from our
Philippines Executive Director, Hal Atienza!
| | Updates From the Philippines | | MOA Signing, Seed Library Distribution, and SITS Orientation with IBSS in Bayawan City | | |
We recently joined the Indigenous Bayawan Seed Savers (IBSS) in Bayawan City for the signing of our MOA, distribution of Home-Based Seed Libraries, and a shared learning session on our seed tracking system. With support from the City Agriculturist and strong engagement from IBSS members, this activity was an important step toward strengthening organic seed access in the region.
🌱 >>>Read more about how this partnership is helping grow local seed systems in Negros Oriental.
| | Strengthening Ties with KABILIN Farmers in Negros Oriental | |
We recently visited our farmer partners at KABILIN to reflect on progress, plan for 2025, and prepare for the next phase of our seed saving journey together. With seeds already planted, and some harvests sold, we’re excited to return in August for our official MOU signing and continuation of Seed School 2!
🌱>>>Read more here
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