YMCA BinhiBuhAY: Genesis

Last Updated (Wednesday, 24 February 2021 23:37)

“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves”

- Mahatma Gandhi

The Formation of the BinhiBuhay is initiated by our out of school Y’ers as part of the 3 point survival strategy of YMCA Davao, Philippines. The initiative is designed to provide affordable ready to plant edibles for start-up back yard gardeners. YMCA BinhiBuhay is a one-stop shop for backyard gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Partnerships
YMCA Davao and Humi green partnership blossomed at the height of the pandemic aiming to bring out the full potential of the garden. YMCA Davao sought for a partner that is concerned with the community. BinhiBuhay also partnered with Unlad seeds (a local startup seed seller). The partnership allows the program to have access on quality affordable seeds.

The Growth
YMCA Binhi Buhay Grew from a simple advocacy of coping with the pandemic to an advocacy that aims to empower and is now aiming to provide green spaces in offices by creating spaces for cleaner better air. (Inspired by Kamal Meattle)

Plainly said YMCA Binhi Buhay aims to 1) advocate for safer and greener food; 2) improve air quality in work spaces an 3) acquaint YMCA volunteers with the indigenous and modern techniques of planting.

Aiming for empowerment, the YMCA Binhi Buhay facilitates the gathering of city based backyard gardeners. This small solid network of gardening enthusiast helps educate amateur gardeners.

↑ Binhibuhay project	↑ YMCA volunteer helps sell the produce

Enhanced community relations
The program gave many opportunities to galvanize friendships and form new networks. The seeds came as key to people foreign to the cause of the Y and has now became partners and friends of the YMCA of Davao.

YMCA BinhiBuhay is able to establish a network of customers; and to improve the system to maximize the impact of the program.

YMCA Binhi Buhay is more than just a planting and greening program. It is not just an emergency response to what the times has brought us. It highlights the provision of God through the generosity of people. Once again the noble and sterling ways of the YMCA proved without a doubt its potency to reach and serve communities. Seeing how people come together, the future in the new normal like tilling the garden gives us hope, growth and the promise of fruition. The program facilitated the best response from our volunteers, partners and communities that despite these arid times there is a healthy ground for holistic cultivation of humanity and stewardship.

- YMCA of Davao, Philippines