Indigenous Coffee Producers of Barangay Tibolo: An In-Depth Look at their Community Cultivation
In the heart of Davao del Sur, the Bagobo-Tagabawa community is brewing more than just coffee. Their coffee farm, nestled in Sitio Basak, Barangay Tibolo, has opened doors to new opportunities and a deeper connection to the world.
Coffee is an integral part of daily life for the Bagobo-Tagabawa, providing them with energy and serving as a booster for their spirits. Lilia Enog, a member of the community, attests that the coffee farm is their primary source of income.
The Tibolo Farm Workers Association (TIFWA), founded in 2017, unites the community through shared labor and a deep love for coffee. Jeciry Antic, TIFWA's spokesperson and marketing manager, emphasizes the importance of sustainable growth through technology. She also highlights the empowerment of women in TIFWA, amplified by social media.
The farm's coffee is a living tradition that carries heritage, identity, and hope in every cup. Its significance extends beyond the beverage, symbolizing life, heritage, and a bridge to the future for the Bagobo-Tagabawa. Remedios Pandia, an Indigenous coffee farmer with over 30 years of experience, states that coffee is very important to them as they have nothing else to serve their guests.
Coffee from the farm is sought internationally, providing income for the community. The farm is now a featured destination for city coffee tours, offering visitors the chance to handpick ripe cherries, hear the farmers' stories, and taste coffee brewed right at its source.
Each coffee cherry from Sitio Basak symbolizes dreams, resilience, and a generation of culture. Visitors to the farm experience not just the taste of coffee but also the care, culture, and stories behind each bean. The increased appreciation of native coffee among people, due to social media, has further boosted the farm's profile.
Jeciry Antic emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting their native coffee, ensuring that the legacy of the Bagobo-Tagabawa is passed on to future generations. With the help of technology and social media, the story of the Bagobo-Tagabawa has been amplified, connecting them to the world.
The Bagobo-Tagabawa coffee farmers cultivate Robusta coffee beans over 100 hectares of fertile soil. The association has grown since its inception in 2017, with 248 members now part of TIFWA, continuing to nurture their land and their craft.
The Bagobo-Tagabawa coffee farm stands as a testament to the power of community, culture, and sustainable practices. It's more than just a coffee farm; it's a celebration of life, heritage, and hope.
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