23/02/2025
Tadian still retains some of its century-old coffee, reflecting a once-thriving coffee industry in the Cordillera region. However, this industry began to decline in the 1990s as farmers transitioned to cultivating other crops.
Undeniably, coffee remains a vital part of many households. To most of us, it is what helps us start our day.
So, what steps can we take to secure the future of coffee?
Our actions will largely depend on the resources and capacities available to us. Tadian is beginning to rediscover the potential of coffee production, making it an ideal starting point. Approximately 5 years ago, the Cordillera Green Network initiated efforts to distribute seedlings to local coffee farmers and continues to support them in enhancing their farming practices. To improve as farmers, one must also be willing to learn. A significant transformation can occur when we embrace the value of knowledge and adopt new perspectives. Fortunately, our neighboring country, Indonesia, is collaborating with us to share their expertise in coffee cultivation and marketing.
The six-day visit of our Indonesian friends from Klasik Beans has provided a ray of light to some of our farmers who joined in the bird watching activity and coffee farm tours. The bird watching initiative, organized by the Japan Bird Research Association is also an important component of coffee farming today, especially as sustainability and sound agricultural practices are central to the global market.
The project has initiated a 6-day journey focused on assisting farmers in recognizing the potential of coffee products in both the international and local markets.
DAY 1: BAGUIO CITY: Cupping Session at El Union - Baguio Branch. Upon their arrival in the country, Indonesian coffee experts were welcomed with a local coffee product for a cupping session.
DAY 2: TADIAN: Indonesian coffee experts collaborated with the Bird Research Team to present the objectives of the 3-year project at the Municipal Center, where coffee farmers and local government unit employees participated. In the afternoon, those interested in bird watching traveled to Layog Country Farm for the experience. Many may not realize that the bird-friendly label on coffee products is more than about aesthetics; it indicates that the coffee is ethically sourced, supporting environmental conservation and sustainable farming practices. A brief overview of the Bird Research Team's activities over the past months was shared during the bird watching event, along with insights from Ms. Flordelina Layog, owner of Layog Country Farm, about the establishment of her 27-acre farm as an agri-tourism site and as an Agricultural Training Institute by the Department of Agriculture. The event concluded with a brewing session led by our young Indonesian barista followed by a discussion on the various bird species observed in the forest. Farmers gained a better appreciation of birds.
DAY 3: SAGADA: In an effort to enhance the sustainable livelihoods of coffee farmers while they manage their coffee farms, the team traveled to Sagada to appreciate community-based tourism. This initiative aims to assist farmers in finding innovative ways to increase their income. Community-based tourism involves local communities in managing tourism activities and sharing the benefits, with an emphasis on preserving local culture, protecting the environment, creating jobs, and generating income. Our tour includes a visit at the privately-owned Ganduyan Museum, where we were enlightened about the fascinating history and culture of Sagada people. Next, we had a guided tour on a coffee farm. To round off the tour, we explored one of the caves of Sagada because without this experience, one cannot truly say they have visited Sagada. We concluded the day with a post-evaluation session, gathering insights from the participants' experiences.
DAY 4: SUNNYSIDE [TADIAN]: Here, we bid goodbye to the Bird Research Team at Sagada and returned to Tadian for a tour of their coffee farms. Their first stop was at Am-am, where the participants sightseen a 360 view of the Tadian valley and the extensive cash crop farms in Mankayan, Benguet. Next, we traveled to Cadad-anan to explore their century-old Typica Arabica Coffee Farm. An enlightening discussion occurred between Indonesian coffee experts and local coffee farmers, providing valuable insights on enhancing the yield of coffee cherries and motivating them to continue their coffee farming endeavors. The group then proceeded to Dacudac to experience traditional roasting and brewing methods. The Indonesian experts also demonstrated their brewing techniques, emphasizing how different methods can influence coffee flavors. Barangay officials and community members engaged enthusiastically during this informative visit. The day concluded at Benafin’s Farm, where coffee farmers gained insights into managing coffee plantations to combat diseases and enhance yields. Participants expressed a desire for further learning before wrapping up the day. In a thoughtful gesture, Ms. Elisa Benafin presented red roses to all the female participants in honor of Valentine's Day.
Day 5: TADIAN-SUBIC: The team journeyed from Tadian, Mountain Province to Subic, Zambales. Participants navigated the winding mountain trails before transitioning to the long, flat roads of the lowland areas, highlighting the stark contrast in experiences that can occur in a short span of time.
DAY 6: SUBIC: Participants engaged in another community-based tourism experience facilitated by MAD Travel, a platform dedicated to education, environmental restoration, and supporting local economies through partnerships with local communities. The day commenced with a tea tasting session featuring plants sourced from the forest. Following this, the group embarked on a guided walk with the aid of bamboo sticks. Along the path, the team learned about various indigenous medicinal plants and survival resources, including methods for locating drinking water and identifying plants for bathing/cleansing. Participants also experienced the traditional Aeta way of life, which included fire-building and meal preparation using only bamboo and bolo knife. The participants enjoyed a refreshing stop at a small waterfall with a pool, marking the end of an exciting journey. Our Aeta hosts prepared lunch for us, after which we bid farewell. The Indonesian participants headed directly to the airport, while those from Tadian returned to their hometown.
The extent to which the experience has influenced the participants remains to be seen. The project has initiated a process that hopes to ignite a passionate desire for change. Ultimately, true treasures are not buried under the rocks or concealed in treasure chests; rather, they lie in the knowledge gained from our experiences, the shifts in perspective we undergo, and the innovative approaches we adopt. The true adversary is not others, but our own ignorance. Let us continue learning and taking action.
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Project Title:
Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds: A Project to Promote Sustainable Coffee in Two Southeast Asian Countries by Environmental Assessment Methods Using Birds as Indicators
https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/JoseiSystem/.../
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Organized by:
バードリサーチ Japan Bird Research Association
https://www.bird-research.jp/
in cooperation with
Cordillera Green Network (CGN)
https://cordigreen-english.jimdofree.com/
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Granted by Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
https://www.toyotafound.or.jp
//GTMaximo, SDS Multimedia
