Sikat Saka: The Rise of Farmers and Seeds

Why Sikat Saka?

Sikat [noun] to rise

Sikat [adjective] popular or famous

Saka [noun]

    - In Tagalog, to farm
    - In Ilocano, feet
    - In Bisaya, to rise or to go up

Sikat Saka is a reflection of the spectrum of cultures that are part of who we are as a people. It is an ode to the capacity of the Filipino to rise beyond challenges whether it be typhoons, volcanic eruptions, even political and social upheavals. It is a reminder of our deep desire as a community to thrive, not just survive, in the face of uncertain climate realities!

As the climate crisis deepens, the agriculture sector has to be at the center of the changes needed and our partner farmers are leading this effort!

Sikat Saka is Global Seed Savers’ response to the needs of our time. It is an expansion of our work in restoring local seed and food systems as a direct and essential solution to the rising challenges presented by the current climate realities. It is a collective quest to rediscover a holistic approach to agriculture and to redefine a food system that supports and sustains the living systems of this planet.

To gently rise together, through the strength of our feet that are planted firmly in the land bestowed upon us by our ancestors. To rise above the challenges of the changing climate through the generosity and abundance of nature. This is what Sikat Saka is all about!

Typhoon Odette: A Signal for Future-Proofing Agriculture

Typhoon Odette (Rai) which hit the Philippines in December 2021, was the most devastating storm on record. It was a signal to our partner farmers and us that our response to these continued calamities has to be holistic and forward-looking and solutions must be long-term. The goal now is to respond proactively, and ensure that our partners have the support and preparedness they will need to address the varying impacts of climate change to their farms and communities.

Our Long Term Solutions

With your support, we are committed to:

• Hosting and offering regenerative agriculture workshops to help farmers redesign their farms for new climate realities.
• Supporting the opening of more seed libraries based in farming communities.
• Ensuring accessibility of locally-adapted seeds to more farmers and home gardeners.
• Providing on-farm tools and materials for our partners to implement their farm designs.
• Providing continuous technical support to our partner farmers.
• Advocate for strong local policy to support our campaign for a food and seed sovereignty.

Invest in this work today and help us reach our $25,000 goal during the month of July!