In a concerted effort to foster sustainable development and community empowerment, Saint Louis University (SLU) continues its commitment to uplift the lives of coffee farmers in the Benguet province. Now in its second year, SLU’s Benguet Coffee Extension Project embarked on a transformative journey aimed at integrating coffee tourism into the fabric of local communities.
From 27-28 February 2024, 18 coffee farmers from the distant Iwak and Kalanguya Tribes residing in the remote sitio of Domolpos in Barangay Tinongdan, participated in a comprehensive two-day training program. Nestled in the heartland of Itogon, Benguet, Domolpos boasts century-old coffee plantations and serves as a bastion of history, culture, and heritage. Despite its remote location, the community’s aspirations for progress and sustainability burn bright.
Under the leadership of community elder Manong Roy Langag, the farmers were transported to “Farm to Cup” in La Trinidad Benguet, where they immersed themselves in the intricacies of conducting community-based tourism for Domolpos. A product of the research pitched in 2022 by the University Research and Innovation Center (UNRIC), this extension project was spearheaded by the Extension Program Coordinator for the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), Prof. Eliza Joyce Palaroan, in collaboration with Ms. Charmaine Mendoza, Director of the Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office (CEOPO), and project partner “Farm to Cup” Benguet, represented by Mr. Eli Natividad, a coffee connoisseur, the extension project seeks to harness the potential of coffee tourism to uplift the lives of Domolpos residents.
Throughout the training, participants delved into various aspects of tour guiding, hospitality, and itinerary planning. They were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide enriching experiences for visitors, under the guidance of industry experts and SLU faculty members. From understanding the basics of tour guiding to mastering roasting and brewing techniques, the farmers embarked on a transformative journey toward becoming ambassadors of their heritage and culture. This was made possible through the leadership of SAMCIS OIC, Prof. Glory Dela Peña, and Hospitality and Tourism Management Department Head, Professor Benny Jun Polon.
The culmination of the training was marked by a benchmarking activity at Lily of the Valley, where participants learned about organic farming practices and synchronized farming activities from Mr. Jefferson Laruan. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, symbolizing the farmers’ commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
The next phase of the project will see the implementation of a test tour in Domolpos, where members of the SLU community will serve as both tourists and evaluators. This crucial step will pave the way for the eventual opening of Domolpos to the public, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Benguet’s coffee culture.
As SLU continues to champion initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development and community empowerment, the Benguet Coffee Extension Project stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and collective action. In the quest for sustainability, it truly takes a community. (Dr Lee Majors Fajilan and Prof. Ma. Araceli D. Tambol)
SLU’s Benguet Coffee Extension Project is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The project also affirms the CICM advocacy of Indigenous Peoples Apostolate and Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation.
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