Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative

11/01/2026

🌍✨ 👩🏽‍🌾 2026 is the INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER!

This year shines a spotlight on the incredible women who cultivate our fields, nurture our gardens, and sustain our communities. Their work is the backbone of resilient food systems, yet too often their voices and contributions are overlooked.

At Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative Cebu Farmers Market Grow It Yourself Project, we celebrate and dedicate our mission to all the women farmers and urban gardeners whose hearts and hands feed a nation and care for our planet.

Here’s to honoring their wisdom, resilience, and love for the earth—because when women farmers thrive, communities flourish. 🌸🌍

23/12/2025

ORGANIC & REGENERATIVE FARMING WORKSHOP | BALAMBAN, CEBU | DECEMBER 20, 2025

Yesterday, Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative (CAFEi) had the privilege of journeying into the mountains of Balamban to conduct an Organic and Regenerative Farming Workshop for 103 farmers—a gathering made possible through the initiative of Balamban Mayor Amos Canahug and Baltz Jr. Tribunalo , the warm reception and support of the Barangay Captain Bebelonio Pepito of Sunog, and the inspiring service of the Youth of Balamban (EYB) who organized the venue and meals with such heart.

Balamban is one of many towns across Cebu that suffered deeply from the floods and landslides brought by Typhoon Tino. The scars on the land are still visible, and the stories of loss are still fresh. But in the midst of this devastation, we also witnessed a silver lining emerging.

First, there is now a growing awareness that the destruction we experienced is not just “natural.” It is also the result of years of irresponsible development in our mountains—digging into fragile slopes to force roads, deforestation, and the widespread use of chemicals and glyphosate in farming. These practices weaken the land, poison the soil, and leave communities vulnerable. How is this a silver lining? It is because we accept our responsibility, that we are part of the problem, and therefore we CAN do something about it. BE the solution.

Second, we are seeing a rising commitment across Cebu to transform how we grow food, how we care for our mountains, and how we design development. Farmers, youth, barangay leaders, and communities are stepping forward with a renewed desire for food security rooted in ecological consciousness —starting with rebuilding soil health, restoring biodiversity, and farming in ways that strengthen rather than strip the land.

This workshop in Balamban is one of many sparks. And CAFEi is committed to fanning these sparks into a movement.

We commit to walking with farming communities throughout Cebu who are ready to farm, produce food, share and market food in a different way—an alternative way. A way that honors the land. A way that restores dignity to farmers. A way that nourishes both people and planet.

As our vision states: Food for the Wellbeing of All—People and Planet.

The journey of transformation has begun. And we are grateful to be taking it together. Rina Nibalik Sol Torres Teresa D. Ruelas

25/10/2025

SJ GIYA living up to its name as Guides and GIY Advocates. Great job!!!

16/10/2025

This is exactly why our work at Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative matters more than ever. Through initiatives like the Grow It Yourself Project Edible Gardens and the Cebu Farmers Market Agriculture Cooperative, we’re helping communities take back control of their food systems—making healthy, local, and sustainable food more accessible. The urgency is real, and so is the opportunity to build resilience from the ground up. 🌾🌱

Food for the Well-being of All, People and Planet

The Philippines has the 2nd highest number of people unable to afford a healthy diet in Southeast Asia.



Hi-res version here: ibon.org/population-unable-to-afford-a-healthy-diet/

28/09/2025

San Jose Grow-It-Yourself Advocates (SJ GIYA) take the Grow It Yourself Project and practice to a new level. Here they are training parents, teachers and administrators of San Jose Elementary School Jose Elementary School- DepEd Reg7 composting as a precursor to the grow it yourself backyard and community gardening training.

Proud of you SJ GIYA . Padayon lang jud!

26/09/2025

Congratulations PSK CEBU, graduates of CAFEi's Grow It Yourself Project (GIY Edible Gardens) !!! We're so very proud of you! Padayon lang gyud!

27/06/2025

🎉 Big Congratulations to CAFEi! 🎉

Yesterday, Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative or CAFEi delivered—for the first time ever—on its bold promise of a live, engaging, and educational virtual demo cooking class that brought flavor, fun, and purpose together in one vibrant event.

The Joy of Healthy Cooking was more than just a class—it was a celebration of food, culture, community, and conscious healthy living. For 90 minutes, participants learned from expert chefs (including a certified nutritionist!) how to craft nutritious, delicious dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the beloved organic-practicing farmers of Cebu Farmers Market .

All this while raising funds to support the very growers who nourish us. Local growers, local ingredients, local impact, global flavor.

"The overall presentation was amazing! The facilitators are fun, energetic and born to run a show! Looking forward to work with them again. 😊“ - Host company organizer

"I've always wanted to be part of and be a taster after a cooking show. This checked one of the items in my bucket list...though I'm not crossing it off my list. Cuz, YUMMM!!!” - CAFEi organizer of the event

💚 Hats off to the entire CAFEi team — to its Board for conceptualizing this noble fundraiser and making it happen, to the food makers Chef Steve Shrimski dietitian nutritionist Justinne Go, tech team of videographers & producers Ny Moynihan Bien Fernandez , and thank you to the International Culinary Arts Academy Cebu (ICAAC) led by Chef & Dean Jeremy Young and his team of stewards in Chef Sidney & Co. — To ALL, thank you for showing us how food can bring together community and fuel real change!

18/06/2025

🌱✨ Landmark news from Cebu! ✨🌱

On June 16, the Cebu Provincial Board unanimously approved an ordinance promoting sustainable agriculture and chemical-free farming! 🎉 Authored by Board Member Victoria G. Corominas-Toribio, this visionary measure aims to protect our environment, uphold public health, and champion organic farming across the province. 🥬🌏

As the ordinance states: “It is hereby declared the policy of the Province of Cebu to encourage, promote, propagate, develop, protect and implement the practice of organic agriculture...”

💚 This is a massive win for our farmers and gardeners, our communities, our consumers and our environment. And none of this would’ve been possible without the vision, dedication, persistence, and teamwork of everyone who worked tirelessly together to make this a reality. Thank you—your passion is the seed that helped this grow. 🌾🙏🏽

Here’s to building a greener and healthier future, together! 💪🏽🌿

Together, we make things work for all!

Food for the Well-Being of All, People and Planet. - Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative , GMO Free Cebu , Cebu Farmers Market , Grow It Yourself Project , PGS Sugbo "OCB-Cebu" , Participatory Guarantee System - PGS Pilipinas , Global Seed Savers , GT Foundation, Inc. , Vriendschapsband Haarlemmermeer Cebu , DA VII Organic Agriculture Program Masipag, LifeBank Foundation, Inc., PSK CEBU , Children's Paradise Montessori School , Slow Food Sugbo , Palad Liloan Gardeners, SJ GIYA, Greenpeace Philippines , Nestor Archival , Alvin Dizon Fastenaktion

https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2025/06/17/2451216/pb-okays-organic-farming-ordinance

The Cebu Provincial Board has unanimously approved on third and final reading an ordinance institutionalizing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting chemical-free farming, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health.

08/06/2025

🌿✨ A New Era of Hope and Sustainability for Cebu! ✨🌿

Last Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Plaza Independencia, something remarkable happened. Over 40 civil society organizations came together for the World Environment Day —not just to celebrate, but to reaffirm our shared mission of protecting, restoring, and regenerating the environment we call home. We reconnected as old friends, allies, and champions of a healthier, kinder, and more eco-friendly future.

And now, with newly elected leaders who carry the same passion for sustainability, there is much to celebrate—and even more to act upon.

🌞 Solar energy powering our communities 🎋 Bamboo structures redefining homes and businesses 🌱 Organic farming nourishing our land and people ♻️ Sound solid waste management for a cleaner tomorrow 🥕 Alternative food ecosystems sprouting up all over —urban community gardens, regenerative farms, community kitchens, and farmers markets weaving a network of fresh, local, and sustainable nourishment in our food.

The spirit of modernization should never come at the cost of our environment. Thankfully, with leaders like Mayor-elect Nestor Archival of Cebu City and Mayor-elect Amos Cabahug of the neighboring municipality of Balamban, we move forward with purpose, ensuring that progress and preservation of Nature & cultural heritage go hand in hand.

This is our moment to work together, to dream bigger, and to create the sustainable future we & the planet all deserve. Let’s keep the momentum going! 💚

From our end - Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative , Cebu Farmers Market , Grow It Yourself Project - and with our partners Slow Food Sugbo, PGS Sugbo "OCB-Cebu", Visayas Native Tree Enthusiasts, Global Seed Savers, for a Livable Cebu, Children of Asia Philippines, PSK CEBU COUNT US IN!!!

04/06/2025

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🌍 Join the Movement for a Healthier Planet! 🌿✨

Today, on , Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative with Cebu Farmers Market Grow It Yourself Project and 45 CSO environment partners stand together to take action for the future of our land, air, water, and sky. 🌱💙

The challenges facing our environment are real—but so are the solutions. It’s time to recognize the problems, embrace change, and act with purpose.

📍 Join us at today's event! Let’s unite for the good of our Earth. 🌏💚

06/04/2025

🌍 🌟 Reflecting on a Journey of Collaboration and Advocacy 🌸 🌱

As an NGO leader, there are days when the path feels lonely—where the challenges of creating real, positive, transformative change seem insurmountable, and sustaining the ability to continue our mission feels like an uphill battle. But moments like this remind me why we persevere.

On the week of March 24, 2025 at St. Michael’s Retreat Center in Antipolo, we experienced a deep sense of connection and solidarity, thanks to our incredible, very personable and trusting funding partners, Fastenaktion. They welcomed us into their annual tradition of bringing their beneficiary NGO partners together—a space to share our stories, celebrate our work, and discover ways to support and partner with one another. Together, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to ending hunger and building a future where justice and security prevail.

The workshop they organized this year focused on Advocacy and Policy Influence (API). It was truly moving to witness fellow NGO leaders speak with such passion, dedication, and courage about their efforts to protect human rights, champion environmental justice, and create food security in their communities. Torres and I, representing Communities for Alternative Food Ecosystems Initiative or CAFEi, felt deeply humbled to be part of this inspiring group of changemakers who are working tirelessly to plant roots of change and resilience.

Let’s continue to grow together and stand united in our mission to create transformative change! 🌻✨🌏