The Batangas province is finalizing specifics to standardize the manufacture of their "kapeng barako" or liberica coffee, ensuring its quality while also preserving the region's coffee industry tradition.
According to the Office of Provincial Agriculturist head, Rod Bautista, this effort will also give a common identity to Batangas coffee heritage and avoid individual promotion of their products.
Standardized code of practice
The code of practice contains a regulated technique for growing coffee plants and harvesting beans, as well as ensuring the usage of DNA (deoxyribonycleic acid)-tested seeds.
The Batangas Coffee Farmers Federation (BaCoFFed), the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Batangas History Society, and De La Salle-Lipa are some of the partners in the provincial technical working group.
According to Bautista, the group is currently completing the seal or emblem to bolster the Batangas coffee brand in the marketplace.
The goal is to complete the preparations by December or before the end of Governor Hermilando Mandanas' tenure in June 2025.
Other Kapeng Barako promotions
Coffee Day on October 1st is one of the initiatives to raise awareness of the cultural and historical significance of Kapeng Barako.
There will be barista instruction, updates from the technical group, and a discussion on the etymology and history of Batangas coffee tradition from the LGU along the process.
They also tapped the Provincial Information Office, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, and Provincial Planning and Development Office.
