12/05/2026
đŸŒ¾ From Seed to Story, Our Heritage Lives On.
The Municipality of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur proudly presents the AVP of its entry to the Tourism Champions Challenge — Bahandi – The Living Rice Museum.
At the heart of this initiative is the remarkable 386 unique rice varieties—traditional and farmer-bred seeds that showcase the rich rice diversity carefully preserved by the farming communities of Sta. Josefa. Each grain carries a story of resilience, knowledge, and cultural heritage passed on from generation to generation.
This living museum stands as a tribute to the passion and dedication of the late farmer-scientist Diego Jun Dela Cruz Jr., whose lifelong commitment to seed conservation and farmer-led innovation continues to inspire the preservation of our agricultural legacy.
More than a tourism initiative, Bahandi celebrates the wisdom of our farmers, honors our cultural roots, and nurtures a future where heritage, sustainability, and community pride grow together.
Sta. Josefa — where every seed tells a story, and every harvest honors a legacy. đŸŒ¾âœ¨
