During the Pandesal Forum of Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on Thursday, June 29, they said that the cool, mountainous rolling terrains of the region are ideal for growing tea.
“Once the tea production will strengthen in our region, this would greatly help in poverty alleviation, environmental protection of rolling terrains, and boost our future ecotourism,” said Diclas. “The DA-BPI has five research centers around the country where we can try tea varieties needed by the market. Once we found out the needed and appropriate varieties, we could upscale tea farming in selected areas,” said Panganiban.
China Embassy Second Secretary Bai Xun and Attache Cao Mengdi both said they support the proposed propagation of tea plantations in northern Philippines not only to assist the Philippine socio-economic development but also to promote tea culture and appreciation as a way of life. Bai said China has been the Philippines’ No. 1 biggest trade partner for the past seven consecutive years, with continued positive momentum now that the Philippines has joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and also China’s opening its multi-billion dollar durian market for Filipino durian farmers.