The High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Week Celebration with the theme “Pagkaing Sapat, Masustansya Dapat,” succeeded at the ATI-RTC-CAR grounds in La Trinidad, Benguet, on April 8, 2025. The one-day event transformed into a festival of sustainability, unity, and agricultural innovation — proving that food security begins with community and a handful of seeds!
Spearheaded by ATI-RTC-CAR under the HVCD Program, and in collaboration with DA-RFO-CAR, DA-BPI-BNCRDPSC, Benguet State University, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Benguet, and the BLISTT areas, the celebration brought together 80 participants from Baguio, Benguet, Mt. Province and Kalinga. Among them were local farmers, RIC members, students from Benguet State University, LGU representatives, youth groups, and institutional partners — all united by a common goal of promoting accessible, sustainable, and nutritious food.
A Day of Sharing and Growth
The event began with an inspiring message from Dir. Charlie C. Sagudan of ATI-RTC-CAR, who underscored the critical role of High Value Crops in sustaining livelihoods and emphasized the importance of involving the youth in shaping the future of agriculture. Messages from other agency leaders echoed the value of seeds and seed saving — not just as sources of food, but as symbols of resilience and transformation.
Representing DA-RFO-CAR, Ms. Freda Pagaduan, the HVCDP Alternate Focal Person, encouraged participation in seed system production to promote sustainable and productive agriculture. Dr. Divina Jose, Plant Genetic-in-Charge at the DA-BPI- Baguio National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BNCRDPSC), also expressed support for seed sharing, seed saving, and backyard gardening.
Engr. Marcelyn Tabelin from the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office-Baguio City shared their partnerships and initiatives aimed at empowering youth and farmers. Further, Dr. Gemma Kilakil, Director of the BSU Horticulture Department, discussed their extension services and expressed the commitment of the University to provide research and extension to the agriculture sector aiming to address farming-related concerns. Meanwhile, Dr. Monica Costales of the Metropolitan BLISTT Development Authority (MBLISTTDA) highlighted their agency’s support for food security and encouraged the audience to see agriculture not only as a source of food but also as a viable livelihood and career path.
Seeds of Sustainability and Stories of Success
One of the major highlights was the Seed Sharing and Seed Exchange activity, facilitated by Dr. Aida Pagtan, Chief of Admin and Finance at DA-RFO-CAR. As reiterated, the activity was not just about seed swapping — it was about exchanging stories, wisdom, and hope.
All participants were encouraged to share their experiences in seed saving, fostering a sense of community and knowledge exchange among local farmers. According to Ms. Carolina Fanged, a passionate seed saver: “These weren’t just seeds — they were seeds of progress, resilience, and nourishment.”
After the storytelling, the seed exchange formally began. The community also received lemon Meyer seedlings from BPI, various legume varieties from Horticulture Department of Benguet State University, and IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials.
KADIWA sa ATI: Bringing Farmers Closer to Consumers
The celebration also featured KADIWA sa ATI, a direct market platform where farmers — including certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSAs) and Community Urban Agriculture Model Farms (CUAMF) — showcased and sold their fresh produce and processed goods. From leafy greens to homemade chili paste, salad dressings, and jams, it was a feast of local flavors and entrepreneurial spirit.
Participants included certified LSAs (Bulala Integrated Farm, SEANLYN Organic Farm, Garden nen Inez Farm), CUAMFs (Baengan, ALTOPA, La Diyang Farm), Mango producer from Abra, and a YIPOA graduate, Ms. Jennilyn Vicente.
A Taste of Health: Fresh Salad & Dressing Contest
To make healthy eating not just accessible but exciting, the event also featured a Fresh Salad and Salad Dressing Preparation Contest. Ten enthusiastic pairs — from BSU CHET students to RIC members, certified LSAs, CUAMFs and ATI staff — tossed creativity and nutrition into every bowl, proving that local produce can be as delicious as it is wholesome.
The event concluded with awarding ceremonies, heartfelt acknowledgments, and a prayer of gratitude — capping a day that planted more than just crops, but seeds of collaboration, inspiration, and community strength.
As HVCD focal person Dr. Esnara put it:
“This celebration is proof that when we come together with purpose, we not only grow food — we grow hope.”
