Bugkalot Coffee Extends Beyond By Helping Other Coffee Farmers
Bugkalot Coffee Company ('BCC') exists to create a sustainable economy in the Bugkalot ancestral domain and nearby areas via production and distribution of coffee and other agricultural products. BCC has established and operates a coffee plantation in the Bugkalot ancestral domain with an integrated, end-to-end agricultural supply chain (including organic fertilizer production for the plantation, coffee nursery, plantation and processing center, as well as third party roasting). They are expanding their operations to include coffee trading and processing from nearby coffee growing communities.
In the lush mountains of the Philippines, amidst the breathtaking scenery and vibrant communities, a social enterprise is making an impact in the coffee industry of their region. Bugkalot Coffee, named after the indigenous Bugkalot people who cultivate the land, has become a beacon of hope and progress in the region. Since its inception in 2013, Bugkalot Coffee has been on a journey of growth and empowerment, transforming not just the landscape but also the lives of the locals.
It all began with a vision to harness the rich potential of the land and empower the indigenous communities. Since their early days, Bugkalot Coffee has been committed to sustainable farming practices and fair trade principles. Their dedication to quality and community development has set them apart in the industry.
In 2017, Bugkalot Coffee started harvesting coffee and quickly gained recognition for the exceptional quality of their beans. As word spread, more and more local farmers expressed interest in joining the venture. Recognizing the opportunity to uplift the community, Bugkalot Coffee welcomed these farmers with open arms.
By 2018, a handful of farmers had begun planting coffee trees, some sourced from government programs and others from Bugkalot Coffee's own nursery. The following years saw a steady increase in the number of farmers taking up coffee cultivation. In 2021 and 2022, Bugkalot Coffee extended its reach by providing seeds to a nearby cooperative, enabling even more farmers to enter the coffee industry.
The efforts bore fruit last year when the first harvest from these local farmers yielded promising results, albeit in limited quantities. However, this year tells a different story altogether. The harvest from the local farmers has seen a substantial increase, surpassing expectations and fueling optimism for the future.
"We buy their coffee and process it in our central processing facility, accelerating expansion of the total coffee production from the Bugkalot domain," shares a representative from Bugkalot Coffee. This collaborative approach not only benefits the local farmers by providing them with a reliable source of income but also contributes to the overall growth of the coffee production in the region.
What sets Bugkalot Coffee apart is not just their commitment to quality but also their dedication to community development. By empowering local farmers to become active participants in the coffee value chain, Bugkalot Coffee is fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
The success of Bugkalot Coffee underscores the transformative power of social enterprises in driving sustainable development. Through their inclusive business model, Bugkalot Coffee is not only creating economic opportunities but also preserving the cultural heritage and environmental integrity of the region.
As the harvest continues to grow with each passing year, Bugkalot Coffee remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities and promote sustainable livelihoods. With their unwavering commitment to excellence and social responsibility, Bugkalot Coffee is paving the way for a brighter future for the Bugkalot people and beyond.
Be sure to follow us on social media to see the future social impact from this social venture.
Learn more about ‘Bugkalot Coffee’ and donate to their cause here.