By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet mountain farms of Kalinga and rice terraces of Ifugao, generations of farmers have been quietly saving seeds — now, the nation is finally recognizing their role in protecting the country’s rich agricultural heritage.
The Philippines has officially launched a national registry of traditional crop varieties to recognize and protect Filipino farmers as the true guardians of native and indigenous crops. The initiative was announced at the 2nd Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights held from September 16–19, 2025.
Led by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) under the Department of Agriculture, the program aims to safeguard the country’s traditional crops while ensuring that the knowledge and practices of farming communities are preserved and rewarded.
The registry, developed through the National Seed Industry Council – Plant Variety Protection Office, identifies and documents native plant varieties still being cultivated in areas such as Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet, Albay, Bohol, and Lake Sebu. These regions are known for their rich biodiversity and deep farming traditions passed down through generations.
According to BPI Director Dr. Gerald Glenn Panganiban, this registry is more than just a list — it is a legal recognition of farmers’ rights to conserve, use, exchange, and benefit from their traditional plant varieties.
“Our farmers are not just producers. They are scientists, conservationists, and innovators in their own right,” Dr. Panganiban said during the opening program, where plaques of recognition were awarded to farmers from participating communities.
This initiative is anchored on several key policies:
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RA 9168 or the Plant Variety Protection Act, which promotes fair benefit-sharing;
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RA 7308 or the Seed Industry Development Act, which strengthens the national seed system; and
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Department Circular No. 17, s. 2020, which provides guidelines on listing traditional varieties for conservation and sustainable use.
Through this framework, the program protects farmers from biopiracy or unauthorized use of their seeds and ensures that they receive due recognition if these varieties are used for research or commercial production.
Traditional crops like heirloom rice, native corn, root crops, and indigenous vegetables are not only vital for food security but are also part of the Philippines’ cultural identity. These crops are naturally adapted to local conditions and are often more resilient to pests, drought, and other climate challenges.
Despite the progress, the program faces challenges, such as the need to raise awareness in remote areas, ensure full participation from indigenous groups, and provide technical support for local documentation.
However, the BPI says the registry is just the beginning. Future plans include expanding the list, offering capacity-building workshops for farmers, and promoting fair partnerships between farming communities and scientific institutions.
By putting farmers at the center of crop conservation efforts, the Philippines joins global efforts under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) to uphold farmers’ rights and protect agricultural biodiversity.
This milestone reminds us that the future of agriculture does not only lie in modern technology, but also in the seeds, skills, and stories passed down through Filipino hands.
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