When Maria Sherry Lacson-Tan won the Mrs. Philippines Canada Ambassador title in 2022 at the age of 61, she wasn’t just celebrating a crown—she was celebrating a new beginning.
After years of heartbreak and personal struggles, Tan channeled her pain into something greater, creating a non-profit organization called Seeds of Hope Pinakbet International.
Through this initiative, she not only connected with her Filipino roots but also uplifted communities in Canada, the Philippines, and beyond.
Seeds of Hope
Tan’s journey to community advocacy was not a straight path.
As an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) in Canada for over 34 years, she brought her five children and her mother with her under the Live-in Caregiver Program, ensuring they had a better life.
But behind her sacrifices was a crumbling marriage and a heart weighed down by challenges.
“My marriage life was falling apart…but I thank God for the courage and strength to keep going,” she shared.
It was during her visit to the Philippines in 2018 that a divine spark ignited her purpose.
Through a series of unexpected encounters, Tan was introduced to a local agribusiness corporation that provided her with seeds.
She took those seeds supplied by Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, and brought them back to Canada, planting the idea that would later grow into Seeds of Hope.
“Those seeds gave me purpose. They distracted me from focusing on my pain,” she said, revealing that she doesn’t have a background in agriculture.
Cultivating a Garden of Change
Seeds of Hope offers small packets of seeds containing ingredients for the traditional Filipino dish pinakbet, a healthy and indigenous vegetable medley from Northern Luzon.
Each packet contains seeds for eggplant, squash, okra, bitter melon, and other vegetables.
Sold for $10 per packet, the proceeds support community gardens, an orphanage, and educational initiatives in the Philippines.
Despite facing logistical challenges, including difficulties shipping seeds and securing permits, Tan’s determination never wavered.
She tapped into her connections, even having friends hand-carry packets of seeds from the Philippines to Canada.
Tan encourages the Filipino community to do vegetable gardening.
Empowering Communities Globally
Tan’s work extended beyond Canada and the Philippines.
She adopted 100 mothers in Pakistan, sending them seeds to cultivate their own gardens.
Her Seeds of Hope program also reached Uganda, Jamaica, Zambia, and other communities, where children learned to grow vegetables and sustain their families.
Her dedication was recognized by the Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC), which led to her nomination and eventual win as Mrs. Philippines Canada Ambassador.
“At 61, I never thought I could wear a crown,” Tan said with a smile.
“But God lifted me up when I was down. He gave me a new purpose.”
Legacy Through Literature
Tan’s advocacy continues to flourish.
She recently authored a children’s book that personifies the six vegetables of pinakbet as a family, teaching young readers about Filipino culture and the importance of growing their own food.
Although her publishing journey faced setbacks, including falling victim to a scam, Tan remained undeterred.
Her book is now being published in the Philippines, and she hopes to make it available in Canada soon.
A Festival of Dreams
Looking ahead, Tan envisions a Pinakbet Festival in Scarborough, where Filipino restaurants can showcase their best pinakbet dishes and local gardeners can present their harvests.
Through these initiatives, she hopes to keep the spirit of Filipino culture alive in Canada while continuing to fund her advocacy work.
“Seeds of Hope is my happiness,” Tan said. “Even without funding, I keep going. This advocacy is a gift.”
