Human Stories

“Kung iti-train mo na sila in their early years, kahit bata pa sila, kaya na nila magtanim. Kasi sa simpleng malunggay, sa simpleng alugbati, kangkong, makikita na nila na, ay, kaya ko palang magpatubo [ng pananim]” [If you train them early, even as young children, they can already learn how to grow crops. Through simple plants like malunggay, alugbati, and kangkong, they realize that they are capable of growing their own food.] Learning is often seen as something gained in

In the Philippines, farming is often seen as the last resort, something you do as a fallback, the occupation you pursue when everything else fails. But in this story, we get to know a farmer who chose farming long before farming ever had to choose them. “Kahit katiting, hindi ako nagsisi na tumigil ako sa pagsakay ng barko. Mas masaya ako ngayon bilang farmer.” (“Not even a little bit, I don't regret stopping sailing the ship. I'm happier now as a farmer.”) For Butz Buerom, g

An organic farmer will "live forever" through his practice of organic, diversified farming he learned from SEARICE.

A Filipino farmer's organic and diversified farm inspires neighboring farmers to take the challenging journey of "going organic."

A Filipino farmer breeds two rice varieties that can withstand changing weather patterns after training with SEARICE.

Ruperta Mangaya-Ay of Bohol, Philippines learned rice breeding from SEARICE and now has a rice variety named after her.

A Filipino farmer's rice breeding success strengthens food security in his community when COVID-19 lockdowns hit their village.