Last month, I visited Tearfund’s Farming and Enterprise partner Greenminds Inc. in the Philippines, as they marked 25 years working alongside Filipino and Pacific farmers and communities. It’s a significant moment to recognise the deep, long-term relationships and grounded approaches that have shaped their work.
Greenminds founder Reynaldo Gil “Datu Makadingding” Lomarda, co-founder Rose Mary Lomarda, and Tearfund NZ Programmes Specialist Olivia Bird at the Greenminds main office in Cagayan de Oro. Photo: Tearfund.
Founded by Datu Makadingding, Greenminds operates as a social enterprise and NGO, committed to supporting communities and the environment. One of Datu’s guiding phrases is: "People first, then planet, then profit": a values system echoed in every aspect of their approach.
International impact
Greenminds works with about 350 farmers, offering training in organic agriculture, post-harvest processing, and community development. I realised that many of the ideas and values I’d seen in action across our Pacific partners had roots in Greenminds’ work. From their approach to inclusive community engagement, to how to grow the best-looking papaya, the team of nine’s influence extends far beyond their own region.
They mentor three of Tearfund’s Farming and Enterprise partners in the Pacific: Nasituan in Vanuatu, Homes of Hope in Fiji, and Ola Fou in the Solomon Islands. Tearfund has partnered with Greenminds since 2011 in a collaborative model that respects local decision-making. The SEED (Sustainable Environmental and Economic Development) programme is about building diversified, resilient communities using organic agriculture to strengthen sustainable livelihoods.
Former Greenminds student Honoiro Cervantes showcases his innovative urban gardening project, “Veggies on Wheels.” Photo: Tearfund.
One my most memorable visits was to Sitio Kalhaan, a remote village in Barangay Minalwang and home to the Higaonon tribe. The five-hour drive over slippery and eroded mountain roads occasionally turned into one-lane when car-sized boulders blocked our path! This area was previously occupied by rebel groups, which, complicated by the challenging access, has limited previous work there. This area was previously occupied by rebel groups, which, complicated by the challenging access, has limited previous work there. In 2020, a flurry of NGO activity was sparked in the region after rebel conflict subsided. However, as access and funding has become more difficult in the region, most local and international NGOs have up and left. Today, Greenminds remains the only organisation still working in this community.
That continuity has shaped the kind of presence Greenminds has in the community. When we arrived, we were welcomed like family. It wasn’t just the visible projects—like water pumps, school repairs, and stingless bee colonies—that stood out, but the sense of trust and shared ownership. Community members proudly brought out stingless bee honey and home-grown herb plants that they now sell as part of the SEED programme. These were in hot demand from our cohort of visiting Filipino farmers! 
Maria Tenila L. Pina-andel, President of the Kalhaan Kabahiyanan Association, sells locally grown herbs to SEED partner farmers in Sitio Kalhaan. Photo: Greenminds.
Greenminds' work has taken different shapes throughout our partnerships past 14 years, but their approach has stayed consistent: know your community, follow through, and ensure your values aren’t compromised when things get difficult. 
Their journey has not been without challenges, yet their uncompromising commitment to stay faithful, loving, and generous demonstrates another of Datu's favourite sayings: “Work hard, play harder, and pray hardest”.
Attendees of the 25th anniversary celebration—including SEED partner farmers, community members, staff, and family—gather for a group photo at Umanika Eco Cultural Farm. Photo: Tearfund.
While their development work may be small-scale if measured by staff or budget, Greenminds punch well above their weight when it comes to their impact.
Datu’s passion for sharing Greenminds’ approach to sustainable farming and community building is only growing. We’re excited to continue to support their work and see it create meaningful change throughout the Philippines, the Pacific, and beyond.
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