Brewing progress: Tanay's Hane Festival and the rise of community coffee farming

AMID the social, economic, political and environmental challenges facing the Philippines — including powerful typhoons — life goes on in the country's towns and villages. Annual festivities remain cherished events, uniting various sectors and communities. One of these is the Hane Festival, held from Nov. 8 to 10, to mark the 418th founding anniversary of Tanay municipality in Rizal province. With "Kultura, Sining at Kalikasan (Culture, Arts and Environment)" as its theme, the festival showcases Tanay's agri-eco-tourism, arts, cultural heritage and environmental efforts. Months of preparation have engaged communities, schools, government agencies and farmers' groups, illustrating their dedication to this local tradition. Among these groups is the Bakbak Coffee Farmers' Association (BCFA), based in Sitio Bakbak, nestled between Tanay's San Andres and Cuyambay villages.

Coffee stands as one of the world's most valuable commodities, treasured as a daily household staple and for its role in social and cultural gatherings. Despite high demand in the Philippines, local coffee production remains insufficient, necessitating imports from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia. In response, revitalization efforts are underway in Rizal, where the climate and terrain are ideal for liberica, excelsa and robusta beans. However, local farmers face challenges, such as aging trees, limited technical support and competition from other regions.

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