Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) implemented a training entitled “I WOMAN Coaching and Mentoring on Coffee Production and Processing” as part of the Social Enterprise Development component under the Enhancement of Community Capacity for Sustainable Ecological Protection and Economic Development – Phase 2 (EcoSEED 2) project on March
10-11, 2022 at the Ciervo Coffee Farm and Camping Site, Talakag Bukidnon.
The EcoSEED-2 project is being supported by the Forest Foundation Philippines. The training generally aimed to inspire the five women representatives from each Indigenous Peoples Organizations specifically on learning new methods and techniques in coffee processing; acquiring hands-on skills in product development, quality assurance, and packaging; and introducing them into farm to cup concept as a feasible market. This was attended by the Nagkahiusang Manobong Manununod sa Yutang Kabilin, Inc. (NAMAMAYUK) and Bayawon Lucday Lungayan Pendonay Tandacol Tribal Association, Inc. (BLLUPENTTRAS).
Mr. Cyril Ciervo-Chavez, owner, imparted his knowledge on coffee enterprise into three topics, namely; Farm to Cup Concept (Coffee as a Business), Café Ciervo’s Gains and Challenges, and Coffee Strategic Management focusing on planning, investing and marketing.
Maximizing the opportunity, he highlighted the need to intensify youth participation more closely on marketing of coffee products. This because people are becoming more concentrated in social media especially in this time of pandemic. The strategic building of partnership to different entities like government units, private sectors, business groups and among others are also vital in the development of business.
Thereafter, a guided tour in the coffee farm and production area was being facilitated. Women asked questions about the cost of each machines (e.g. depulper, dehuller, grinding and roasting machine), the ratio between demand and supply, production frequency, and market stability.
“Daghan man diay pamaagi aron mabaligya nato siya (coffee) og insakto…simple lang but kung iapply sa atong kaugalingon dako gyud siya og katabang…dili maparyasahan og naa tay knowledge and abilities…ako gyud siyang iapply sa akong farm.” – Anebie Inahan, NAMAMAYUK representative- [There seemed to have many yet acceptable ways upon selling coffee…it might be simple but once applied to ourselves, it is indeed helpful…nothing compares if we have knowledge and abilities…I will definitely apply these into my farm]
The training had opened up new perspective among women on small-scale enterprise as there are vast opportunities and methods upon managing and marketing a coffee. Little by little, women are excited to go forth enabling better income for the improvement of their respective ancestral domain and of course, its people.
