The golden glow of the early morning sun in Barangay Malabanan, Balete, Batangas literally signalled the dawn of a new day for the Philppines’ most popular coffee, Barako. At least 100 volunteers gathered together to plant 1,000 Barako seedlings
The Figaro Coffee Tree Planting 2024: From Crop to Cup event, organized by the Figaro Foundation in partnership with the local government and the Batangas Coffee Federation, marks a crucial step towards revitalizing the Barako coffee industry—a variety of Liberica coffee that is as much a part of Batangas' identity as its rolling hills and historical landmarks.
Barako coffee, a distinct type of Liberica, is known for its strong, bold flavor and robust aroma. It is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Batangas and Cavite, where it has been cultivated for over a century. The coffee’s name, “Barako,” is derived from the Filipino word for a male stud, symbolizing its strong, intense character. For generations, Barako has been a staple in Filipino households, often enjoyed black or with a dash of sugar to complement its rich taste.
However, despite its rich history and unique flavor profile, Barako coffee has faced a steady decline. The introduction of more commercially viable Arabica and Robusta varieties, combined with challenges such as dwindling local interest and limited access to farming resources, has pushed Barako to the brink of extinction. Today, only a few farmers continue to cultivate this iconic coffee, and it occupies a small fraction of the country’s coffee production.
A MOVEMENT TO BOOST BARAKO
The Figaro Foundation's initiative is part of a broader movement to bring Barako coffee back into the limelight. Each of the 1,000 Liberica seedlings planted during the event represented a step toward restoring the prominence of this endangered coffee variety. The foundation has committed to not only planting these trees but also ensuring their growth through biannual maintenance and support for the next two years.
"Barako, or Liberica Coffee, is a native coffee found only in the Philippines and is on the brink of extinction," said Ace Azarraga, FCG Brand and Partnership Director, during the event. "Our mission at the Figaro Foundation is to restore the glory of Barako coffee. We are dedicated to supporting Filipino coffee farmers by providing them with seedlings, expert guidance, and the necessary facilities for sustainable coffee farming."
Volunteers for the event included singer Geneva Cruz serving as Figaro ambassador. She posted on her Instagram that she planted 15 Barako seedlings.
COMMUNITY’S ROLE
The resurgence of Barako coffee hinges on the commitment of local farmers and the broader community. The event drew support from key figures, including Balete Mayor Wilson Maralit, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in restoring Batangas' coffee heritage.
"We aim to restore Batangas' status as the coffee capital of the Philippines," he declared. "Together with the Figaro Foundation, we will continue to support our coffee farmers and ensure that Barako remains a symbol of Batangueño pride."
The day also saw the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Figaro Foundation, the Batangas Coffee Federation, and other key stakeholders. The agreement outlined a shared commitment to the sustainable development of the Barako coffee industry. It also guaranteed that the Batangas Coffee Farmers Federation would retain the right to choose their buyers, giving them the autonomy to decide whether to sell their beans to Figaro or other interested parties. This empowerment of local farmers is seen as a crucial element in ensuring the long-term viability of Barako coffee.
A RARE VARIETY
Barako coffee’s rarity adds to its allure, with the Liberica species accounting for less than 2% of global coffee production. Its beans are larger than those of Arabica and Robusta, and the coffee itself has a full-bodied taste with fruity, floral notes and a hint of spice—a profile that sets it apart from other coffees. These characteristics have won Barako a loyal following, but it remains a niche product, often overshadowed by more mainstream varieties.
To revive the Barako honors the this coffee variety’s long history in the Philippines' colonial past, when coffee was a major export crop. The province of Batangas, in particular, was known for its coffee farms, which thrived until the global coffee rust outbreak in the 1800s decimated much of the industry. While the industry never fully recovered to its former glory, Barako coffee remained a cherished part of local culture.
