Tea (Tom Fisk/Pexels)
On June 29, 2023, the Pandesal Forum on Philippine Tea took place at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City. The forum brought together leaders from various sectors, including academe, government, business communities, and diplomats from the China Embassy, to discuss the promotion of tea farms in the Cordillera autonomous region of the northern Philippines. This event was organized by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Benguet provincial government, and Benguet State University (BSU). The Pandesal Forum on Philippine Tea featured esteemed panelists who shared their insights and support for the development of tea farms in the Cordillera region.
A sustainable opportunity for the Cordillera Region
Planting tea in the Cordillera region was proposed to be a promising opportunity. The region's natural elevation and cool, mountainous terrain provide an ideal environment for tea production. The crop is to be planted on terrain not suitable for most other crops. Furthermore, planting tea can help prevent soil erosion, rehabilitate deforested areas, and contribute to the region's economic development by offering a high-value crop with long harvesting periods. Tea leaves are also easier to transport in mountainous terrain compared to other crops, which would make it a practical choice for the Cordillera region.
Ms. Dominique Molintas, a researcher at Benguet State University, conducted extensive academic and scientific research on the feasibility of growing tea in her native province. She received support from the FFCCCII and the China Embassy, which further reinforced the importance of this initiative.
Support from FFCCCII and China embassy
Dr. Cecilio Pedro, the President of FFCCCII, expressed his support for the modernization of Philippine agriculture, including the development of tea plantations. Dr. Pedro highlighted the global popularity of tea as a healthy beverage and advised to study market conditions, focus on quality cultivation, and develop effective business strategies to promote Philippine or Cordillera tea in both domestic and international markets.
Representatives from the China Embassy, Bai Xun and Cao Mengdi, also voiced their support for the proposed tea plantation propagation in the northern Philippines. They emphasized the significance of this collaboration for socio-economic development and the promotion of tea culture. Drawing upon successful examples from China, they highlighted how tea plantations in mountainous rural areas had helped uplift the incomes of farming communities and alleviate poverty.
Collaboration for sustainable tea farming
Governor Melchor Diclas of Benguet province acknowledged the agricultural prowess of his region and emphasized the positive impact that tea farming could have on Benguet's agricultural sector. He called upon the Filipino Chinese business community, FFCCCII, foreign investors from China, and other entrepreneurs to invest in agriculture ventures in the region.
Dr. Felipe Comila, President of Benguet State University, highlighted the institution's support for the proposed development of tea farms in Benguet province and the Cordillera region. He stressed the importance of partnerships between farmers, academia, government bodies, the business sector, and China's government assistance to ensure the success and sustainability of tea farming in the area. Dr. Comila referenced an old Chinese saying that resonated with the project's objectives: instead of giving fish to people, teach them how to fish for a better and sustainable future.
The agritourism potential of tea farming
Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), expressed the department's willingness to support the tea farming initiative. He suggested including tea in the list of High-Value Crops and conducting research to identify suitable tea varieties for the market. Dr. Panganiban also emphasized the agritourism potential of tea farming, citing the successful example of Osulloc Tea in Jeju Island, South Korea. He shared that the Philippines had imported 134 metric tons of tea from Vietnam and China between January and May 2023, highlighting the existing market demand.
Marketing and long-term sustainability
FFCCCII Vice-President George Chiu stressed the importance of effective processing, packaging, and marketing for Philippine tea. He mentioned the potential collaboration between future tea planters and major retailers like SM Group and supermarkets to ensure the successful promotion and distribution of Philippine tea.
Mr. Parros Poon, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of FFCCCII, highlighted the long-term sustainability of tea farming. In some areas of China, tea trees have been known to produce harvests and generate income for 50, 70, or even 100 years. This long-term profitability makes tea farming an attractive investment opportunity.
The event showcased the immense potential of tea cultivation in the mountainous terrains of Benguet province and other parts of the Cordillera region. With support from the FFCCCII, the China Embassy, and various government agencies, the initiative aims to uplift rural communities, boost the agricultural sector, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.