L-R: Atty. Allan Barcena, EDC AVP and head of corporate support functions; Almer Anatolio Ratuita, INAC principal; and Gov. Matthew Manotoc cut the ribbon on the new Seed Library Hall in PasuquinIn response to the pressing need for food security and biodiversity preservation, Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC), in partnership with Energy Development Corporation (EDC), launched the “Sow, Grow, Share: Empowering School and Community with a SEED Library” initiative. This transformative project aims to bridge the gap in access to diverse, locally adapted seeds, including heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, while fostering school and community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The initiative, which aligns with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte’s “Gulayan sa Barangay” program, was inaugurated at INAC with the support of EDC. The seed library will serve as a vital resource in ensuring that communities can readily access high-quality seeds to rebuild their food sources.

Beyond providing seeds, the initiative is deeply rooted in education and capacity building. Students, parents and local stakeholders will receive training on seed production, seed saving and seed sharing techniques.

Teacher Joel Calidro, the project’s proponent, expressed his vision for the initiative: “The success of our seed library will inspire new initiatives, expanding the movement for biodiversity and food sovereignty.”

Through Calidro’s leadership, EDC was enlisted to construct the Seed Library Hall. During the launch, Atty. Allan Barcena, EDC assistant vice president and head of corporate support functions, highlighted the broader significance of the project: “This project is more than just a collection of seeds; it is a movement of knowledge, empowerment and collective responsibility. Every seed planted represents hope, resilience and the power of education. It symbolizes a growing generation of changemakers who will protect, nurture and sustain our planet’s resources.”

The initiative also garnered the support of Gov. Matthew Manotoc, who emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture as something that should be pursued, especially by the younger generation, as well as cherished by the whole community.

(Story by:Monique Lugartos)